Maine Joins Northeast Public Health Collaborative

The state of Maine has joined the regional Northeast Public Health Collaborative, alongside other Northeastern states and New York City, to coordinate public-health guidance and vaccine access amid shifts in federal recommendations, reports the Maine Morning Star. One priority of the collaborative is ensuring equitable access to vaccines, medications and services, which has implications for affordability by reducing barriers to preventive care. Because better access to vaccines and coordinated public-health response can help reduce the downstream cost of illness and treatment, the partnership may contribute to longer-term affordability gains for residents.