The River Coalition was incorporated in 1995 by a group of concerned citizens interested in providing primary prevention strategies, particularly for youth, in their immediate area. The Old Town Action Group (OTAG) asked the FUTURE Team from School Union 90 and the Indian Island Health Center to join them in this effort. The original goals, objectives, and implementation strategies were designed to combat youth alienation and rebelliousness, family conflict, and family management problems. The passion for promoting a more caring and resilient community was the driving force throughout "our work in the possibility."

In 2003, the River Coalition service area became part of a nationwide risk behavior study.  As part of this study, River Coalition members collected and analyzed risk and protective factor data for the area, and wrote a Community Action Plan identifying the five top risk factors.  Through this work the River Coalition was awarded funding to implement various evidence-based programming in our local schools, public library, community organizations and local governments.  We are proud to say that many of these programs have become self-sustaining and are still in existence.  

In July of 2006, in response to Maine’s new statewide public health infrastructure, the River Coalition joined together with Katahdin Area Partnership in Millinocket and S.P.R.I.N.T. for Life in Lincoln to form one of Maine’s 28 local Healthy Maine Partnerships.  (Partnership for a Healthy Northern Penobscot.) 

Today we are continuing our work as a true community coalition to meet our mission of ensuring our communities are safe and healthy by enabling collaboration, strengthening partnerships and assisting in resource development.

As a river gains strengths through its tributaries, so does the River Coalition gain in its unity.

Who We Are

The River Coalition brings together a coalition of local people to improve the health and quality of life in our communities through sharing ideas, assessing health needs, developing programs, and providing technical assistance and resources.   Based in Old Town, Maine we serve the towns of Alton, Bradley, Greenbush, Indian Island, Milford and Old Town.   

What We Do

The River Coalition implements comprehensive community-level interventions that promote and support healthier lifestyles.  We address these objectives through environmental and policy changes to create long-lasting and sustainable community change.  Follow the Program link for additional details. 

Board Members