The St. George and South Thomaston Public Health Vulnerability Assessment identifies four major climate-related public health risks facing the two communities: extreme heat and cold, tick-borne illnesses, drinking water and drought concerns, and increasing power outage vulnerability. While Maine’s climate is becoming warmer overall, the region is also experiencing more intense weather extremes, including longer heat waves, severe drought conditions, and stronger storms. These changes place growing pressure on public health systems, infrastructure, and household resilience. The report highlights that both towns are particularly vulnerable because of their older populations, dependence on outdoor industries such as fishing, landscaping, and tourism, and the large number of households that rely on private wells for drinking water.

The assessment found that older adults, lower-income households, outdoor workers, and medically vulnerable residents face the highest risks. Tick-borne illnesses such as Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis have risen sharply in recent decades, with local rates exceeding the Maine average. Drought and storm conditions threaten drinking water quality through saltwater intrusion, runoff contamination, and stress on private wells. Meanwhile, longer and more frequent power outages increase risks tied to heating, cooling, food storage, and medical equipment dependence. The report emphasizes the need for proactive resilience planning, expanded public education, stronger emergency preparedness systems, and targeted support for vulnerable populations as climate impacts continue to intensify.