FARMINGTON — Healthy Community Coalition will be offering Keep Maine Healthy events throughout Franklin County during the month of February. Staff will be providing cancer education and information, free blood pressure checks, and H1N1 flu shots for individuals 18 years and older.

Event location and dates are:

* Friday, Feb. 5, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Saddleback in Rangeley;

* Tuesday, Feb. 9, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Camden National Bank in Phillips;

* Friday, Feb. 12, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Saddleback in Rangeley;

* Sunday, Feb. 14, 12 to 2 p.m. at the Carrabassett Valley Library;

* Tuesday, Feb. 16, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Eustis Town Office;

* Friday, Feb. 19, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Saddleback in Rangeley; and

* Friday, Feb. 26, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Saddleback in Rangeley.

According to the Maine Centers for Disease Control, cancer is the second leading cause of death in Maine and four types of cancers account for the majority of new diagnosis: lung, colorectal, breast in women, and prostate in men.

The Maine CDC now recommends that all residents receive an H1N1 vaccination. Although the spread of the H1N1 flu virus slowed last month, the CDC anticipates another outbreak as the virus is expected to circulate for months, if not years, to come. According to Maine CDC Director Dr. Dora Mills, “Pandemics usually come in waves and if the last pandemic is any indication, we may have another wave of disease. Now is an excellent time to get vaccinated, especially given the amount of vaccine available.”

Services are free although there is a suggested donation of $10 for an H1N1 flu shot (or by donating what you can afford). Insurance, Medicare or Medicaid can not be accepted.

For more information, contact the Healthy Community Coalition at 779-3136 or 1-800-525- 3136.