FMH Remembrance Tree Decorations Honor Loved Ones

Decorations can be purchased for $5 to support the Auxiliary

Farmington¾

 

The Franklin Memorial Hospital Auxiliary once again has a Remembrance Tree with tree decorations that can be purchased “in memory of” or “in honor of” one or more individuals for a nominal fee. This tree in the hospital lobby shows the names of the dedications, as well as the donors who made the gift. Proceeds benefit the Franklin Memorial Hospital (FMH) Auxiliary.

 

On December 3, the dedication and lighting ceremony of the Remembrance Tree took place along with caroling and music by Sammie Angel. “The ceremony is an opportunity to remember loved ones who have passed on and to honor those special people in our lives who are still with us,” said Auxiliary President Dawn Girardin.

 

To order a decoration, send the name of the person it is to be “in memory of” or “in honor of” to: Jean Rand, 725 Orchard Drive, Wilton, ME 04294 or Mary Harris, 67 Cape Cod Hill Rd. New Sharon, ME 04955. Enclose a check payable to the FMH Auxiliary for the total decorations purchased. Each is $5.

 

Forms to order decorations are also available in the hospital’s gift shop, located near the main entrance. For additional information call Jean Rand 645-4823 or Mary Harris 778-2366.

 

LePage Administration Committed to Distributing Free Smoke Detectors to Keep People Safe

 

Sixty percent of residential fire deaths result from fires in homes without working smoke alarms.

 

Hello, this is Governor Paul LePage.

 

As we head into the heating season, I would like to take a moment to talk fire safety and what our Administration is doing to keep people safe.

 

As you have likely heard, we have had too many fire deaths in Maine in the past few weeks. Eleven lives have been lost in three separate fires in Portland, St. Francis and Caribou. My heart goes out to the families who are affected.

 

Our Administration is helping to increase awareness in your community through a partnership between the State Fire Marshal’s Office and the American Red Cross. As part of their national disaster preparedness program, the Red Cross is adding smoke detectors as part of their effort to save lives. 

 

I’m pleased to announce, the State Fire Marshal’s Office, the Maine Chapters of the Red Cross, and local fire departments are working to provide smoke detectors to those who do not have them in their home.  The focus is to get smoke detectors into every home. 

 

As your Governor, a father and a husband, I do not want to see another life lost as a result of a fire.

 More than one-third (37 percent) of home fire deaths result from fires in which no smoke alarms are present. 

The risk of dying in a home fire is cut in half in homes with working smoke alarms.

 

The State Fire Marshal Joe Thomas has been able to get 1000 smoke detectors at no cost, to get the program started. Ongoing donations of smoke detector supplies are being worked out with the American Red Cross and Kidde smoke detector manufacturer. 

 

We are also training Red Cross volunteers who will be going door to door with local fire department personnel. We will also install the detectors where needed. 

 

The goal is to ensure Mainers have the protection of smoke detectors in their homes. And I would be remised if I did not emphasize the importance of making sure your alarms always have working batteries.

 

Don’t take them out and if you do so for any reason, replace them immediately.

 

Smoke alarms truly save lives and that is why our Administration is committed to the full five year strategy of the American Red Cross to this effort.

 

If you are interested in learning more about this program or donating to cover the costs of the detectors, please call the Fire Marshal’s Office at 626-3870 or the Portland Chapter of the Red Cross at 874-1192. Those numbers again are for the Fire Marshal, 626-3870 or the Portland Chapter of the Red Cross at 874-1192.

 

Thank you for listening.

 New Bridge to Officially Open Connecting Richmond and Dresden

December 4, 2014

For Immediate Release: Thursday, December 04, 2014
Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, 207-287-2531

Governor Paul R. LePage will attend and deliver remarks at a special ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Maine Kennebec Bridge spanning the Kennebec River connecting Richmond and Dresden. The Friday morning ceremony will include speakers Senator Susan Collins, acting administrator for the Federal Highway Administration Greg Nadeau, Department of Transportation commissioner David Bernhardt and Reed & Reed CEO Jack Parker.

The bridge will officially open to traffic in the afternoon of Friday, December 5.

The presentation also includes, the American Legion Color Guard, which will perform the National Anthem and students from the Marcia Buker Elementary School, Dresden Elementary School and Richmond High School Band performing various musical numbers.

Following the ribbon cutting ceremony there will be a reception at the Pownalborough Community Center in Dresden.

When: 10:00 a.m. Friday, December 5

Where: On the new bridge on Route 197 between Richmond and Dresden

 

Anna D’Epiro Cushing Joins Franklin Health Farmington Family Practice

Is a licensed clinical social worker and art therapist

Farmington¾

 

Franklin Community Health Network is pleased to announce the recent staff addition of Anna D’Epiro Cushing, LCSW, ATR. She is a licensed clinical social worker and art therapist, employed by Evergreen Behavioral Services and based at Franklin Health Farmington Family Practice.

 

Cushing is responsible for performing direct service delivery of behavioral health services as part of a primary care team. She provides assessment and diagnosis and brief solution-based therapy for patients of all ages. Cushing also provides patient education and support and completes referrals to case management and other services as needed.

 

Cushing received her bachelor’s of art degree in psychology and art at Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island, then her master’s degree in clinical social work at the University of Tennessee in Nashville. She later completed post-graduate studies in art therapy at the College of Notre Dame in Belmont California. 

 

Franklin Health Farmington Family Practice is located on the ground floor of the Franklin Health Medical Arts Center, next to Franklin Memorial Hospital. For appointments call 778-3326.

 

Cushing lives in Farmington with husband Robert and 13-year-old son, Emmett. Anna’s two adult sons and their families live in Bolivia and Virginia.

 

 

FCHN Chief Information Officer Achieves Fellow Status

Designation reflects his professional status and advancement

 

FARMINGTON, MAINE¾

 

Ralph Johnson, FHIMSS, chief information officer (CIO) at Franklin Community Health Network (FCHN), has achieved advancement to Fellow status from the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS), earning the designation FHIMSS following his name. This designation reflects his professional status and advancement within this professional society.

 

To advance to Fellow status, Johnson documented that he is a member of HIMSS for a minimum of five consecutive years, along with his professional participation experience, job experience, and service to the society, serving as the 2013-2014 president of the New England Chapter of HIMSS. A letter of recommendation from a FHIMSS was also required. Fellow members are considered leaders within HIMSS, are recognized at its annual conference, and asked to participate in special taskforces or workgroups.

 

Johnson has worked at Franklin Community Health Network since 2006. During his tenure, IT has been a priority at FCHN. In the two years alone, all Franklin Health medical practices and the hospital emergency department converted from paper medical records to electronic medical records that provide instant and complete patient information to consulting health care providers, improving patient care.

 

In July, Franklin Memorial Hospital was again named among the nation’s most wired hospitals for the fourth consecutive year, according to the results of the 2014 Most Wired Survey Benchmarking Study. “Most Wired” hospitals show better outcomes in patient satisfaction, risk-adjusted mortality rates, and other key quality measures through the use of information technology.

 

 

Governor LePage To Help Kick-Off Salvation Army Kettle Campaign

Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, 207-287-2531

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage will join the Salvation Army to kick off its Annual Christmas Kettle campaign on Thursday, December 4, 11:15 a.m. in a ceremony at the State House.

“For more than 120 years, Salvation Army red kettles around the world have been linked to the Christmas season,” said Governor LePage. “Mainers are generous people known to help our neighbors and the kettle campaign is one way to help those who need it most. I commend the Salvation Army and all the dedicated volunteers who will be ringing the bells this year and I encourage you, if you are able, to donate to this good cause.”

The charitable organization expects to have more than 100 red kettles throughout the state on street corners and shopping areas through December 24th. The Salvation Army statewide Kettle campaign goal is $734,000.

Last year, funds donated at these kettles enabled The Salvation Army to provide services and programs to 41,000 men, women and children statewide during the holidays and throughout the year.

Lieutenant Joel Lyle, corps commanding officer of the Capital Region states, “We invite all community residents to join us in this effort to ensure that families in the communities we serve receive assistance such as food, clothing, utilities and more.”

A Salvation Army Brass Ensemble will also be part of the festivities playing holiday carols.

There are 9 Salvation Army Corps (facilities) in Maine that offer services and programs for children, adults and seniors.

• Bangor
  Capital Region- Augusta and Waterville communities
  Bath
  Houlton
  Lewiston
  Old Orchard Beach
  Portland
  Rockland
  Sanford

Also, The Salvation Army serves those in need in 91 other communities through volunteers at its service units.

If you are unable to make it to one of our kettles, please visit www.onlineredkettle.org to make a donation.

For further information please contact Patricia James at (207) 774-6304 ext. 232.

 

Forecast Anticipates Increase in State Revenue

Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary (207) 287-2531

AUGUSTA – The Maine Revenue Forecasting Committee (RFC) formally submitted its economic forecast today to Governor Paul R. LePage and the Maine Legislature. The forecast is one of two required annually and was due no later than December 1, 2014.

As part of the forecast, the RFC projects an increase in revenues of $45.5 million for the current fiscal year and $67.5 million over the course of the FY 2016-17 biennium. The adjusted forecast is realized with improved revenues from both individual and corporate income tax filings.

“Reducing the tax burden on Mainers was a good, meaningful policy decision in 2011, and the State is seeing an uptick in income tax revenue as a result,” Governor LePage said. “Policies that reduce state spending, remove red tape and allow businesses to invest and create jobs are what we need to move Maine’s economy forward. Maine is open for business, and I am committed to improving the economy with strong growth in both the number of jobs created and the wages they pay.”

As part of the adjusted forecast, individual and corporate income tax collections account for nearly $19 million in additional revenue for the current fiscal year and more than $40 million in the FY16/17 biennium.

“The forecast from the Revenue Forecasting Committee is positive news and a welcome development,” said Richard Rosen, acting commissioner of the Department of Administrative and Financial Services. “While other states have been plagued by unexpected shortfalls, our reliable and conservative approach to revenue forecasting has helped ensure that the State is in a sound financial position.”

The RFC consists of the State Budget Officer, the Associate Commissioner for Tax Policy, the State Economist and an economist on the faculty of the University of Maine System selected by the chancellor, the Director of the Office of Fiscal and Program Review and another member of the Legislature's nonpartisan staff familiar with revenue-estimating issues appointed by the Legislative Council.

“Today’s revenue forecast reflects the improvement that Maine is experiencing as it recovers from the recession,” said Dr. Michael Allen, associate commissioner for Tax Policy. “The improving economy, combined with low energy prices, has provided Maine families with more confidence as we head into the holiday shopping season."

 

FMH Occupational Health Service Provides New Service

Now perform DOT physicals for commercial drivers

 

FARMINGTON, MAINE¾

 

Franklin Memorial Hospital’s Occupational Health Department has providers who are certified by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and available for DOT examinations on the Franklin Memorial Hospital campus.

 

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued a new rule, effective May 21 that requires health care professionals who perform Commercial Drivers License (CDL) physicals to be specially trained and tested to become certified medical examiners. FMH occupational health staff members Michael Rowland, MD, and Joseph Conrad, PA-C, are both certified examiners and listed on the FMCSA registry.

 

The intention of the new rule is to promote safety on American highways.

 

Medical examiners must receive training every five years and pass a recertification test every 10 years to stay on the National Registry. The objective of the National Registry is to ensure certified medical examiners fully understand the medical standards in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and how they apply to each driver. The National Registry enables a quick way to determine availability and location of certified examiners.

 

Occupational Health staff can be reached at (207) 779-2367 to answer questions regarding physical standards and drug testing, and to make appointments.

 

Maine’s Economy Continues Recovery
Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, 207-287-2531 

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage released a statement today about the 5.8 percent unemployment rate for October, which is down from 6.6 percent a year ago and the same as September’s rate.

The employment-to-population ratio, which is the percentage of adults who are employed and is a better indicator of economic recovery, also held steady at 60.9 percent undefined remaining above the national average of 59.2 percent.

“Our economy is continuing to recover from the recession,” said Governor LePage. “We are working to create an economy with strong growth in both the number of jobs and the wages they pay. My administration’s priority is to create opportunity for anyone who wants a good career. We are looking at policies that attract businesses, create new, high-paying jobs and spur further growth.”

The Governor added, “We are also looking at ways in which we can grow our skilled workforce. Transitioning people from welfare to work is an important part of that. Another is engaging employers and industries with our new programs to train people for long-term careers in our growing and critical industries, including healthcare, information technology and energy.”

Private-sector payroll jobs are up 6,400 since last October. Government employment accounted for 16.3 percent of nonfarm jobs again in October. The number of unemployed people in Maine is down 5,300 over the year.

In addition, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) issued annual personal income data for counties and metro areas this week. All of Maine’s counties had positive income growth in 2012 and 2013, and the percent change in all counties was greater than the U.S. average of 1.3 percent. All three Maine metro areas had 2012–2013 percent changes above the national average of 1.1 percent. Bangor was 2.8 percent, ranked 39th; Lewiston-Auburn was 2.3 percent, ranked 64th and Portland-South Portland was 2.0 percent, ranked 88th.

 

November is Diabetes Awareness Month

 

Education helps those with diabetes manage their disease

FARMINGTON-

Are you overweight, tired, thirsty, or experiencing frequent trips to the bathroom? Are you always hungry, yet showing signs of sudden weight loss? Do your fingers and toes tingle or go numb?

 

If you answered “yes” to any of the above, Nancy Thomas, RN, CDE, a certified diabetes educator at Franklin Memorial Hospital suggests that you consult a physician because you may be experiencing symptoms of diabetes. If a diagnosis is made, your physician may suggest diabetes education, medication, and lifestyle modifications.

 

Diabetes is a group of diseases marked by high levels of blood glucose resulting from defects in insulin production, insulin action, or both. People with diabetes, working together with their health care providers, can take steps to control the disease and lower the risk of complications.

 

According to Maine Centers for Disease Control, diabetes affects approximately one in ten Mainers, and an estimated 32,264 of Maine residents have diabetes but don’t know it. If left undiagnosed or untreated, diabetes can lead to serious health problems, including heart attack and stroke. 

 

Women who are pregnant are also at risk for developing diabetes according to Dr. Connie Adler, a provider at Franklin Health Women’s Care. “Six to seven percent of pregnancies are complicated by the development of pregnancy-related (gestational) diabetes. This condition has consequences for both mother and baby including: large babies, a risk of the baby needing IV support after delivery, and increased chance that the mother will develop diabetes later in life,” she said.

 

“Pre-Diabetes is a condition that occurs prior to onset of type-2 diabetes and if identified can serve to motivate people towards healthy lifestyle changes that prevent its progression to type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes occurs typically in children and young adults. It is a chronic disorder in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin. Blood sugar levels are controlled with insulin given by injection or insulin pump,” said Thomas. “Technology for diabetes care has evolved a great deal to help people live long healthy, though sometimes challenging lives.”

 

For individuals living with diabetes, one-on-one and group structured diabetes self-management training is offered at Franklin Memorial Hospital and at some Franklin Health medical practices and taught by registered nurses and a dietician who are also diabetes educators. Patients learn about the roles that exercise, nutrition, blood sugar monitoring, medications, carbohydrate counting, and meal planning play in controlling their diabetes.

 

Besides Thomas, diabetes educators also include: Nancy Taylor, RN; Eileen Caffrey, RN, CHC; Jeannine Lake RN, CDE; and Katie Drouin, RD, LD.

 

Other diabetes management services offered include: continuous glucose monitoring, insulin pump training and assistance, and diabetic foot exams.

 

For additional information on diabetes self management, call Franklin Health Internal Medicine at 778-4922