Strong Area Health & Dental Center to host 3rd annual Pierpole Day 5K

STRONG – Strong’s annual Pierpole Day celebration will take place on Saturday, July 13, 2024. As a part of the celebration, the Strong Area Health & Dental Center – In partnership with the Healthy Community Coalition of Greater Franklin County – will host a fun 5K run/walk event. You won’t want to miss this family-friendly outdoor activity!

The event course will start and end at the Strong Area Health & Dental Center, 177 North Maine Street, in Strong. The event will begin at 9:00 AM. Those who plan to register on the day of the event should arrive at 8:30 AM. In lieu of a registration fee, please bring a donation – either a non-perishable food item for the community pantry, or diapers for the MaineHealth Diaper Drive. Adult participants will be given one entry for a chance to win raffle prizes; one additional raffle entry will be provided for every three extra donations that the participant contributes! In addition to the run/walk event, we will be distributing fun giveaway items, and a mobile health unit will be onsite to provide health education, kid’s games, and prizes!

Please visit the following RunReg page to pre-register and help our planning committee prepare –

https://www.runreg.com/12074

As a thank you for pre-registering, the first 50 registrants who sign up by June 7th will also be able to order a FREE participation t-shirt!

The Pierpole Day 5K planning committee is also seeking volunteers to help ensure this event is a success for the community. Volunteers are requested to assist from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM on July 13. Volunteers can help with setup, teardown, and other assorted tasks. If you are interested in volunteering, contact Ayla Haines at ( 207 ) 860 – 8609 or Ayla.Haines@HealthReach.org by no later than Friday, June 30.

Finally, for those that are curious – Pierpole Day is an annual event celebrating local Strong heritage and history. The day is named after the Wabanaki (Abenaki/Amaseconti) settler Pierre “Pierpole” Paul. Paul and his wife, Hannah Susup, came to the Strong area in the late 1700s to settle in what was known at the time as Middletown.

Strong Area Health and Dental Center is a part of HealthReach Community Health Centers, a Federally Qualified Health Center consisting of twelve community health centers located across rural Central and Western Maine. Dedicated clinicians deliver high-quality, evidence-based 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 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.

HealthReach welcomes new Clinician, Gina Bruno, PA

Gina Bruno, PA

Kingfield – This July, staff of the Mt. Abram Regional Health Center are happy to welcome Gina Bruno, PA, to their professional healthcare team.

Bruno earned her Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree from the University of Nebraska. Previously, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies from Gannon University. Bruno’s wealth of medical experience includes time spent in multiple settings, including Family Practice, Correctional Care, and academic settings.

Bruno shares, “I’m excited about joining the team at Mt. Abram Regional Health Center! The inviting community and the area’s beauty remind me of rural Pennsylvania, where I grew up and learned the importance of helping your neighbors. I look forward to bringing my 25 years of experience to serve the Kingfield community.”

Bruno joins the existing Mt. Abram clinical team – Family Nurse Practitioner, Jennifer Caudell; Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Amy Peters; and Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Angela Kristoff.

Mt. Abram Regional Health Center, founded in 1986, is 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, 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.

HealthReach Announces Completion of Mt. Abram Health Center Renovations

A newly renovated exam room

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.

(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,

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.

HealthReach welcomes Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Amy Peters

Franklin County – This July, HealthReach Community Health Centers staff from across Franklin County – at practices in Kingfield, Rangeley, and Strong – welcome Amy Peters, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, to the team.

Amy earned her Master’s degree in Nursing from Walden University in Maryland. Previously, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Marian University in Tennessee. Amy brings a wealth of nursing experience, and a philosophy that focuses on compassion for each patient’s lifestyle and individual needs.
Amy shares, “Everyone wants a chance to be heard… to be respected… to be well. This is the cornerstone of my professional ethos. I look forward to joining and serving your community. Meet you soon!”

Amy joins the existing mission-driven, values-focused care teams at the Strong Area Health & Dental Center, Rangeley Family Medicine, and the Mt. Abram Regional Health Center. Welcome aboard, Amy!

Strong Area Health & Dental Center, Rangeley Family Medicine, and Mt. Abram Regional Health Center are all 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.

HealthReach celebrates 2022 as a Year of Excellence, thanks its stellar team

WATERVILLE – As we look forward to the New Year, it is always good to reflect on the past – to learn what lessons we can, and to recognize success so it can be expanded upon. The staff of HealthReach Community Health Centers are pleased to celebrate many successes from 2022. Here are a few recognitions we are proud to share with our communities:
• HealthReach as an organization was once again recognized by the US Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), as a Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH), as a Health Center Quality Leader, and for
Advancing Health Information Technology (HIT) for Quality.
• Dr. Amy Madden, HealthReach Medical Director, was recognized by Home Hope & Healing as their Physician of the Month for the month of May 2022. We are pleased to see Dr. Madden’s dedication to her patients and quality of care recognized by external partners.
• Rep. John “Jack” Ducharme III, HealthReach Board member, was recognized by the Maine Primary Care Association and received the MPCA 2022 President’s Award for his efforts to support community health centers across Maine. Jack rallied members of the Maine House of Representatives to improve the financial sustainability of rural healthcare.
Our special thanks go to Amy, Jack, and the rest of the HealthReach team for their extraordinary accomplishments in 2022. Our patients are lucky to have you in our community!

Residents of Central & Western Maine have enjoyed quality care at HealthReach practices for nearly five decades. If you are seeking a new healthcare provider and health home, consider your local HealthReach health center in Albion, Belgrade, Bethel, Bingham, Coopers Mills (Whitefield), Kingfield, Livermore Falls, Madison, Rangeley, Richmond, or Strong.

HealthReach Community Health Centers is a group of twelve Federally Qualified Health Centers located across Central and Western Maine. Dedicated clinicians deliver high-quality healthcare – inclusive of behavioral health and dental services – to citizens 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.

Mt. Abram Regional Health Center welcomes Nurse Practitioner, Jennifer Caudell

KINGFIELD – This April, staff at Mt. Abram Regional Health Center are pleased to welcome Jennifer Caudell, Nurse Practitioner. She has been providing care at another HealthReach practice – the Belgrade Regional Health Center – since 2016.
Jennifer earned her Master of Science degree with a concentration in Nursing from the North Georgia College and State University in 2009, where she had previously completed both Associate and Bachelor of Science degrees. She is board certified through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. Her areas of clinical expertise include pediatrics, college health, addiction, and emergency medicine. Jennifer recently shared, “I like to meet patients where they are on the road of life”. She is a welcome addition to the Kingfield community.
Jennifer joins Dr. Diane Zavotsky; licensed clinical social worker Angela Kristoff; and psychiatric nurse practitioner Tina Newsom. Our clinicians offer medical and behavioral health services to patients of all ages. Our Mt. Abram practice has proudly served area residents and visitors to Kingfield and the surrounding towns since its founding in 1986.
Mt. Abram Regional Health Center is a part of HealthReach Community Health Centers, a group of twelve Federally Qualified Health Centers located across Central and Western Maine. Dedicated clinicians deliver high quality medical and behavioral healthcare to residents of 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 the Health Insurance Marketplace.
A private non-profit with a 47-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.