HowUR.org is a new website for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered (LGBT) young adult community in Maine. The website asks, "You've figured out who you are… have you asked how you are?" and offers health information, tools and resources aimed to help prevent high-risk drinking, tobacco use, substance abuse, as well as promote nutrition and physical activity.

"There has been a serious lack of prevention efforts aimed at the LGBT community," says Liz Blackwell-Moore, Substance Abuse Prevention Manager at Communities Promoting Health Coalition, a program of PROP. "The rates of smoking and substance abuse are higher for LGBT people than for heterosexuals, mostly caused by the effects of homophobia, violence and discrimination, yet there has been very little prevention work or support offered to LGBT people around these issues."

HowUR.org was created in collaboration by an advisory group of Cumberland County public health professionals, community program staff, university professionals, and LGBT young adults and community leaders. The group was formed out of a concern for the rates of smoking and substance abuse in the LGBT community and the lack of dedicated prevention efforts. On the website, people can use online tools to assess their alcohol use, tobacco dependence, physical activity and nutrition as well as access online and local resources.

The website can be viewed by going to HowUR.org