Portland Public Health Division - Portland, ME

Community Health and Harm Reduction

The Portland Public Health Division is a critical arm of the city's Health and Human Services Department, dedicated to preventing disease and promoting wellness across the community. Now located at 39 Forest Avenue (having moved from the former India Street location), the division operates the Public Health Clinic, which serves as a safety net for uninsured and underinsured residents. This facility is a hub for low-barrier healthcare, focusing on harm reduction strategies to support vulnerable populations. The division works in close partnership with the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) to monitor health data and respond to public health emergencies, such as infectious disease outbreaks.

Clinical Services

The clinic offers a range of confidential services, often at little to no cost. Key medical offerings include:

• STI/HIV Services: Testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, along with HIV prevention tools like PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) and PEP.
• Immunizations: Routine vaccinations for adults and children, including flu shots and COVID-19 boosters.
• Tuberculosis (TB) Care: Screening and treatment for latent TB infection.

Harm Reduction and Outreach

A cornerstone of the division's work is its commitment to harm reduction. The Needle Exchange Program operates to prevent the spread of blood-borne pathogens like Hepatitis C and HIV by providing sterile injection supplies and safe disposal options. The staff also provides overdose prevention education and distributes Naloxone (Narcan). The division actively addresses health equity, working to eliminate disparities in healthcare access based on race, income, or housing status.

Access and Hours

While the administrative division operates during standard city hours, the Clinical Services have specific operating times, typically offering walk-in hours on Mondays and Fridays, with other times by appointment. Visitors should verify the current schedule before arriving, as clinic hours can fluctuate based on staffing. The facility at 39 Forest Avenue is centrally located and accessible via public transportation, ensuring that essential health services remain within reach for all Portland residents.