Jun 6, 2024
Waterville – Connie Coggins, HealthReach President & CEO, is pleased to announce that HealthReach has received the highest award level for tobacco-free achievements. The MaineHealth Center for Tobacco Independence (CTI) Breathe Easy Maine initiative recognized forty-four healthcare, hospital, higher education, and behavioral health organizations – as well as four individual Gold Star Champions – for efforts to address tobacco use and secondhand smoke exposure.
HealthReach Community Health Centers was recognized for meeting Platinum Status through the 2024 Gold Star Standards of Excellence program, for efforts to both prohibit smoking and tobacco use on campus, and to address patient tobacco use. This was the first year that HealthReach has participated in the initiative, and we look forward to a continued partnership with CTI to address tobacco use and exposure.
All Maine behavioral health organizations, hospitals, higher education organizations, and healthcare organizations were encouraged to apply for recognition. Qualifying organizations are recognized at Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum levels, based on program criteria. Best practice criteria include smoke- and tobacco-free campus policies, annual screening practices for tobacco use, referral processes for tobacco use treatment, and the provision of employee education in tobacco treatment topics.
“We applaud the ongoing efforts of Maine hospitals, healthcare, higher education, and behavioral health organizations to address tobacco use, secondhand smoke exposure, and nicotine dependence, by meeting the Gold Star Standards of Excellence,” says Sarah Rines, Senior Program Manager for CTI. She continued, “Advice and assistance from healthcare providers are powerful tools to help individuals quit tobacco products. These awardees are taking key steps to support their patients, clients, and communities.”
For more information about Breathe Easy Maine and the Gold Star Standards of Excellence, please visit BreatheEasyMaine.org/GSSE.
MaineHealth Center for Tobacco Independence’s Breathe Easy Maine initiative is dedicated to providing Maine’s hospitals with the information and resources needed to make all organizations smoke- and tobacco-free. Learn more at BreatheEasyMaine.org. This initiative is supported through a grant from the Maine Center for Disease Control & Prevention, Department of Health & Human Services.
HealthReach Community Health Centers is a Federally Qualified Health Center consisting of twelve community health centers located across Central and Western Maine. Dedicated clinicians deliver high-quality healthcare – inclusive of behavioral health, substance use disorder treatment, dental, and podiatric services – to residents from 9 of Maine’s 16 counties. To ensure access for everyone, HealthReach accepts Medicare, MaineCare, and major insurance providers. An Affordable Care Program is available to both uninsured and underinsured people. Assistance is available for applications to programs that help with your healthcare and medication costs – including enrollment support for Maine’s Health Insurance Marketplace.
A private non-profit with a 49-year history, HealthReach is funded by patient fees, grants, and by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) as part of an award totaling $4,815,606 with 82.2% financed by non-governmental sources.
The contents above are those of the author, and do not necessarily represent the official views of or an endorsement by, HRSA, DHHS, or the U.S. Government.
May 1, 2024
Waterville – Connie Coggins, HealthReach President & CEO, is happy to announce a new partnership with the Lunder-Dineen Health Education Alliance of Maine (Lunder-Dineen), an initiative of the Slavin Academy at Massachusetts General Hospital and their Time to Ask program. Time to Ask is an educational program transforming conversations around alcohol use. This program teaches interprofessional teams in primary care to intervene early and routinely with patients so they can make informed decisions about alcohol consumption.
Many people consume alcohol, yet know little about specific risks and impacts on their bodies. Primary care practices are uniquely situated to identify patients who are at risk for unhealthy drinking. By empowering HealthReach’s healthcare teams with the necessary education, skills, and onsite practice support that Time to Ask provides, clinicians and staff alike can confidently engage with patients and address alcohol use before patients are at a greater risk of developing a disorder.
Coggins shares, “We are pleased to be working with Lunder-Dineen in implementing their Time to Ask program. Supporting our staff with education and workflows to identify and address unhealthy alcohol use is a critical element in our Substance Use Disorder Learning Collaborative.“
This partnership is a part of HealthReach initiatives in 2024 and beyond to broaden access to Substance Use Disorder services and education, and to decrease barriers that prevent patients from getting the help that they need.
HealthReach Community Health Centers is a Federally Qualified Health Center consisting of twelve community health centers located across Central and Western Maine. Dedicated clinicians deliver high-quality healthcare – inclusive of behavioral health, substance use disorder, dental, and podiatric services – to residents from 9 of Maine’s 16 counties. To ensure access for everyone, HealthReach accepts Medicare, MaineCare, and major insurance providers. An Affordable Care Program is available to both uninsured and underinsured people. Assistance is available for applications to programs that help with your healthcare and medication costs – including enrollment support for Maine’s Health Insurance Marketplace.
A private non-profit with a 49-year history, HealthReach is funded by patient fees, grants, and by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) as part of an award totaling $4,815,606 with 82.2% financed by non-governmental sources.
The contents above are those of the author, and do not necessarily represent the official views of or an endorsement by, HRSA, DHHS, or the U.S. Government.
Apr 17, 2024
Waterville – Connie Coggins, HealthReach President & CEO, is happy to announce a new partnership between HealthReach Community Health Centers and The MaineHealth Center for Tobacco Independence (CTI). CTI administers the statewide tobacco treatment contract on behalf of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Maine Department of Health and Human Services.
HealthReach + MaineHealth Center for Tobacco Independence
Under this partnership, CTI supports HealthReach in expanding its tobacco treatment services by providing staff with enhanced skills and resources. CTI provides staff training, technical support, and data monitoring to ensure that HealthReach staff have what they need to support patients in treatment.
Coggins shares, “Our long-term collaboration with the Center for Tobacco Independence has been strengthened by partnering in a grant-funded effort in 2024. This effort has brought training opportunities for our staff to improve our engagement with patients in addressing tobacco use and offering resources – such as The Maine QuitLink – to help patients become tobacco-free.“
This partnership is a part of HealthReach initiatives in 2024 and beyond to broaden access to Substance Use Disorder services and education, and to decrease barriers that prevent patients from getting the help that they need. By integrating evidence-based tobacco treatment into routine healthcare services, HealthReach improves health outcomes and reduces the burden of tobacco-related disease. For more information about CTI and the additional resources and trainings they provide, visit CTIMaine.org.
HealthReach Community Health Centers is a Federally Qualified Health Center consisting of twelve community health centers located across Central and Western Maine. Dedicated clinicians deliver high-quality healthcare – inclusive of behavioral health, substance use disorder, dental, and podiatric services – to residents from 9 of Maine’s 16 counties. To ensure access for everyone, HealthReach accepts Medicare, MaineCare, and major insurance providers. An Affordable Care Program is available to both uninsured and underinsured people. Assistance is available for applications to programs that help with your healthcare and medication costs – including enrollment support for Maine’s Health Insurance Marketplace.
A private non-profit with a 49-year history, HealthReach is funded by patient fees, grants, and by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) as part of an award totaling $4,815,606 with 82.2% financed by non-governmental sources.
The contents above are those of the author, and do not necessarily represent the official views of or an endorsement by, HRSA, DHHS, or the U.S. Government.
Mar 6, 2024
Jenny Boyden
Carolyn Tranten
WATERVILLE – Connie Coggins, President & CEO of HealthReach Community Health Centers, is pleased to announce that two new members joined the organization’s Governing Board of Directors.
Carolyn Tranten of Kingfield, Maine, has a rich history with the HealthReach organization. Working with the organization for over 25 years, Tranten began as a Practice Manager for the Mt. Abram Regional Health Center before graduating to the position of Compliance Officer. In 2015, she became Director of Operations, serving in this role until her retirement in 2023.
Jenny Boyden of Clinton, Maine, comes from a finance background with particular expertise in healthcare. She spent four years with HealthReach as its Director of Finance before transitioning back to the State of Maine’s Department of Administrative & Financial Services in the role of Associate Commissioner.
Of the new board members, Coggins says, “We are glad to welcome Carolyn Tranten and Jenny Boyden back, and onto the Board of Directors at HealthReach Community Health Centers. Their previous experience in health center management and finance will be invaluable as the board continues to evaluate opportunities to improve services to our patients across rural Maine.”
In 2024, returning to serve as officers are Jack Ducharme, Chair; Bruce Harrington, Vice Chair; and John Opperman, Secretary & Treasurer.
HealthReach Community Health Centers is a Federally Qualified Health Center consisting of twelve community health centers located across rural Central and Western Maine. Dedicated clinicians deliver high-quality healthcare – inclusive of behavioral health, substance use disorder, dental, and podiatric services – to residents from 9 of Maine’s 16 counties. To ensure access for everyone, He
althReach accepts Medicare, MaineCare, and major insurance providers. An Affordable Care Program is available to both uninsured and underinsured people. Assistance is available for applications to programs that help with your healthcare and medication costs – including enrollment support for Maine’s Health Insurance Marketplace.
A private non-profit with a 49-year history, HealthReach is funded by patient fees, grants, and by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) as part of an award totaling $4,815,606 with 82.2% financed by non-governmental sources.
The contents above are those of the author, and do not necessarily represent the official views of or an endorsement by, HRSA, DHHS, or the U.S. Government.
-END-
Aug 2, 2023
A newly renovated exam room
KINGFIELD – HealthReach is excited to announce that recent renovations to its Mt. Abram Regional Health Center have been completed.
The renovations enhance local healthcare service offerings and capacities. Changes include a new lab space, a new nurse’s station, and newly reconfigured waiting room and offices that allow for easier and more convenient patient navigation. These changes are already reducing patient wait times. New offices for the Connector and Care Manager provide a more comfortable meeting space for confidential and supportive patient assistance. General updates – such as new paint, flooring, and cabinets – have helped to refresh the look, feel, and function of the building.
(L) Mt. Abram Practice Manager, Amanda Smith, with (R) Strong Area Health & Dental Center’s Practice Manager, Priscilla Bartlett, who visited to celebrate and support the community.
On July 21, Mt. Abram Regional Health Center staff were happy to welcome community members to an Open House. HealthReach invited visitors to view the upgrades to the facility, enjoy free refreshments and HealthReach-branded items, and meet with their local care team. Despite rain, the event was a success and Kingfield staff are excited for future community events.
Since its establishment in 1986, Mt. Abram Regional Health Center has been in Kingfield – in a building that once hosted a thriving family-owned grocery and general store. HealthReach is excited to see these latest changes maximize the capacity and usefulness of this important historical community hub. Today, the practice serves more patients than ever. As both stewards of and servants to the community, HealthReach reaffirms its commitment to the community with this investment.
If you have not yet made it in, please feel welcome to stop into the practice and see the results of our renovations for yourself. We look forward to being here for you for years to come.
Kingfield area community members joined HealthReach staff to celebrate recent renovations with a cookout at the Open House on Friday, July 21,
Mt. Abram Regional Health Center, founded in 1986, is a part of HealthReach Community Health Centers, a Federally Qualified Health Center consisting of twelve community health centers located across Central and Western Maine. Dedicated clinicians deliver high-quality healthcare – inclusive of behavioral health and dental services – to residents from 9 of Maine’s 16 counties. To ensure access for everyone, HealthReach accepts Medicare, MaineCare, and major insurance providers. In addition, an Affordable Care Program is available to both uninsured and underinsured residents. Assistance is available for applications to programs that help with the cost of your healthcare and medications, including Maine’s Health Insurance Marketplace.
A private non-profit with a 48-year history, HealthReach is funded by patient fees, grants, and by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $4,815,606 with 82.2% financed by non-governmental sources. The contents above are those of the author, and do not necessarily represent the official views of or an endorsement by, HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government.
Aug 2, 2023
Madison – This August, HealthReach is excited to announce that recent renovations to its Madison Area Health Center are complete.
The renovations have increased comfort and patient capacity, while also modernizing the
A new roadside sign was installed at the health center
space so that busy clinicians and staff are able to achieve the best outcomes for their patients. Among many other upgrades, these renovations included expansions to the waiting room, exam rooms, administrative areas, and medical records areas. With an updated nurses’ station, a new lab, and additional exam rooms, staff and patients will all benefit. New offices have been built for both the site’s Connector and Care Manager, improving patient comfort in their meeting spaces where they provide patient assistance. Additionally, new offices were added for both the site’s Behavioral Health Counselor and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. These changes have already improved operations, and are allowing staff to serve more community members than ever before with an emphasis on personalized, whole-patient care.
A newly renovated exam room
Since its foundation in 1977, Madison Area Health Center had previously expanded its spatial capacity twice. The first expansion occurred in 1980, and the second expansion was in 1989. Today, we are excited to see this newest set of renovations allow the building to move forward as the practice grows and continues to serve the grateful people of Madison, Anson, and nearby towns.
Please feel welcome to stop into the practice location to see the newest changes and updates for yourself. We look forward to continuing to serve our community in new ways for years to come.
HealthReach nurses enjoy the clean, well-lit, and efficient look and feel of their newly renovated nurses’ station
Madison Area Health Center, founded in 1977, is a part of HealthReach Community Health Centers, a Federally Qualified Health Center consisting of twelve community health centers located across Central and Western Maine. Dedicated clinicians deliver high-quality healthcare – inclusive of behavioral health and dental services – to residents from 9 of Maine’s 16 counties. To ensure access for everyone, HealthReach accepts Medicare, MaineCare, and major insurance providers. In addition, an Affordable Care Program is available to both uninsured and underinsured residents. Assistance is available for applications to programs that help with the cost of your healthcare and medications, including Maine’s Health Insurance Marketplace.
A private non-profit with a 48-year history, HealthReach is funded by patient fees, grants, and by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $4,815,606 with 82.2% financed by non-governmental sources. The contents above are those of the author, and do not necessarily represent the official views of or an endorsement by, HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government.
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