News

Spring activity afterschool programs available for area youth

 

Programs aim to get kids physically active

 

The Healthy Community Coalition is collaborating with area organizations to offer afterschool programs to get kids physically active. The programs provide a structured opportunity for kids to learn a new skill and get healthy at the same time. Many programs are also working with the 5210 Let’s Go! program to promote healthy messages during the activities.

 

Rangeley FitKidz! -Rangeley Fitness Center on Mondays and Wednesdays from 2:30-4 p.m. Registrations for this program are ongoing through June 2.  Students in grades 5-12 are FREE!  This includes a free gym membership for the duration of the program.  For more information contact Jeff or Lindsay at 864-3055.

 

Let’s Go Afterschool!  -Stratton School on Mondays and Tuesdays from 2:30-4:30 p.m.  Registrations are ongoing through May 27^th.  Cost is $1.00/day. This program is for students in grades 1-4.  For more information contact Millie Howard at 491-4988.

 

Strong Spring Walking Program at Strong School on Mondays and Wednesdays from 2:30-4 p.m. during the month of May. Cost is FREE!  For more information contact Joy York 491-5811.

 

UMF Spring Conditioning Program at UMF Fitness & Recreation Center on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, April 14 through May 2 from 2:30-4 p.m. This is a FREE program for middle school students. For more information contact the UMF Fitness & Recreation Center  778-7505. 

 

Summer Programs will also be offered at Strong Elementary and Rangeley Fitness Center. Details coming soon!

 

The Healthy Community Coalition of Greater Franklin County EveryBody initiative is part of the Communities Transforming initiative and made possible with funding from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in partnership with MaineHealth.

 

About Healthy Community Coalition of Greater Franklin County

Healthy Community Coalition of Greater Franklin County, founded in 1989, is one of the oldest health coalitions in the country. Its mission is to measurably improve the wellbeing of all people in Greater Franklin County and neighboring towns using a coordinated public health approach of education, promotion, and outreach. With its qualified staff of public health professionals, Healthy Community Coalition offers health screenings, health information, programs and events to support healthy lifestyles that prevent disease and improve quality of life.  Its community outreach efforts appear in every town and corner of the region. For more information, please visit www.fchn.org/hcc.

 

About Communities Transforming

Communities Transforming is an initiative that currently helps fuel 10 different programs in seven rural Maine counties. Each program is designed and implemented on a community level and tackles health issues, including promoting healthier lifestyles, increasing healthful eating, and reducing chronic diseases. Communities Transforming is made possible with funding from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in partnership with MaineHealth and a variety of local organizations in Androscoggin, Franklin, Oxford, Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, and Waldo Counties, many of which are MaineHealth member or affiliate hospitals.  

Governor LePage Announces Availability of Northern Border Regional Commission Grant Funds 

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage announced today that the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) is accepting applications for grant funds provided by the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC).

The NBRC was authorized in the 2009 Farm Bill by the U.S. Congress and is intended to mitigate economic distress and to create job opportunities across a thirty-six county region in Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont. Twelve Maine counties are eligible to compete for NBRC funds including the counties of Androscoggin, Aroostook, Franklin, Hancock, Kennebec, Knox, Oxford, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset, Waldo, and Washington. It is expected that $4.5 million in grants will be awarded by September 2014 and that the maximum grant award for any one project will be $250,000.

“I am pleased to announce the availability of the 2014 Northern Border Regional Commission grants and I am eager to deploy these funds to maximize the creation of quality jobs for Mainers in some of our more economically disadvantaged regions,” said Governor Paul LePage. “These well-timed funds will certainly help fuel Maine’s continued economic resurgence.”

The NBRC is led by a board that consists of the Federal Co-Chair and the Governors of Maine, New Hampshire, New York and Vermont. According to the NBRC, “eligible projects must develop the transportation, water, sewer, energy, and telecommunications infrastructure of the region; assist the region in obtaining job skills and employment related education, as well as entrepreneurship, technology and business development; provide basic health care and other public services for those areas that are severely economically distressed and underdeveloped; promote resource conservation, tourism, recreation, and preservation of open spaces in a manner consistent with economic development goals; and, to promote the development of renewable and alternative energy sources.”

Each state is tasked with developing its own process for scoring and ranking eligible applications that meet all the criteria of the NBRC. As in past years, the State of Maine will use an evaluation method that ensures the greatest impact on the creation and/or retention of jobs. 

Applications for NBRC funds are now being accepted through the State of Maine’s economic development partners at the Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments (AVCOG), Kennebec Valley Council of Governments (KVCOG), Eastern Maine Development Corporation (EMDC), and the Northern Maine Development Commission (NMDC). These partner organizations will offer technical assistance to prospective grantees and can be reached at the following numbers: AVCOG (207) 783-9186, EMDC (207) 942-6389, KVCOG (207) 453-4258, and NMDC (207) 498-8736

To learn more about the NBRC grant program, and to receive technical assistance information, interested parties should contact Brian Whitney at the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development at 624-9804 or brian.whitney@maine.gov or any of the partner organizations listed above.

Governor Tries to Save Lives with Naloxone, Legislature Advances Bill to be Vetoed

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage today released a statement about LD 1686, "An Act To Address Preventable Deaths from Drug Overdose," after learning the Legislature has added a poison pill to the compromise amendment:

“After Democratic Rep. Barry Hobbins and I worked on a compromise to this bill and it appeared to be moving forward, the Legislature decided to play political games with people’s lives. They put forth a bill with additional amendments, which faces a certain veto.

“Our compromise bill allows family members to carry naloxone, but not police, which was acceptable to Rep. Hobbins and Rep. Sara Gideon, the bill’s Democratic sponsor. Despite their agreement with me, the Legislature has put up a version of the bill they know full well will be shot down. We are trying to provide this life-saving measure to families, but lawmakers are trying to score political points.”

Governor Commends Senate for Sustaining Veto of Medicaid Expansion 

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage today released a statement after the Maine Senate sustained his veto of LD 1487, “An Act to Implement Managed Care in the MaineCare Program.”

“I am pleased that the Senate chose fiscal responsibility instead of spending millions of Maine’s taxpayer dollars to expand welfare to able-bodied adults who have other options for virtually free health care. I commend the Senators who had the courage to stand firm against liberal politicians and do what is right for the hard-working Mainers who would have had to foot the bill for this massive expansion.

“We learned a hard lesson from the last time Maine expanded welfare, which had a disastrous effect on the state budget and failed to reduce the number of uninsured Mainers. Medicaid spending grew by one billion dollars, hospitals were owed $750 million, budgets

April is National Donate Life Month

Donate Life flags are flying at Hospitals Across the Country

Farmington¾

 

This April marks the 11th annual National Donate Life Month, a celebration commemorating those who have given the gift of life through organ and tissue donation. For those whose lives have been saved or healed by a transplant, National Donate Life Month provides a chance to share their story to encourage more people to register as donors.

 

Suellen Canfield was a happy wife, mother and grandmother when she died suddenly in 2001. Her family had no doubt that if given the opportunity she would continue to help others even after she had passed. At 61 years old, Suellen’s gift of organ donation saved the lives of three people. Her husband, Bob, volunteers for New England Organ Bank sharing his story of how in great loss he found comfort in his wife’s ability to help others. 

 

“The transplant waiting list is made up of people of all ages,” says Laura Dempsey of New England Organ Bank (NEOB). “It’s important to show that people of any age can make a powerful difference in someone’s life by being a donor. Donation saves and heals lives every day, but it can only happen when someone makes the important decision to register as an organ and tissue donor. You can make that lifesaving difference by registering your decision to donate.”

 

In addition to organ donation, tissue donations help over one million individuals each year. Heart valve, bone and skin donations give recipients a new chance at a healthy life, the recovery of tendons and ligaments can help heal a severe sports injury, and cornea donations give the gift of sight. 

 

For information about organ donation at Franklin Memorial Hospital (FMH) contact Daniel Morrell, the NEOB liaison for FMH, at dmorrell@fchn.org.

 

For general information about organ and tissue donation and transplantation, go to the Donate Life Web site at www.donatelife.net or call the New England Organ Bank at (800) 446-6362.

Hospital Volunteers Honored

Volunteers contributed nearly 15,000 hours in the last year

Farmington¾

 

Franklin Memorial Hospital’s Bass Room was the festive setting of a recognition celebration for the health network’s volunteers. The program included a social time and dinner, and spirited entertainment by Sammie Angel who performed old time sing-a-long favorites. All volunteers attending received a gift and certificates in recognition of their volunteer efforts, as well as pins and service bars.

 

The program was in memory of ten volunteers who have passed away since the last recognition: Bud Cook, Robert Flick, Vivian Gagnon, Nana Haines, Jeanne Paradis, Marie Ringuette, Albertine Smith, Allen Smith, Robert Stevens, and Judith Wilbur.

 

Joline Hart, Franklin Community Health Network (FCHN) vice president human resources, addressed the group by saying, “To me you are FCHN heroes, you the volunteers who do what you love to be of service to others. May you know the true satisfaction that comes from helping others. May you feel the gratitude in our hearts for all the good you have done. The appreciation we feel for you is truly second to none.”

 

FCHN has approximately 150 volunteers who help out in numerous hospital departments and affiliated FCHN organizations, contributing nearly 15,000 hours of service this past year. Volunteers can be found greeting patients at the escort desk, parking cars, decorating for special functions, filing, processing orders in shipping and receiving, reminding patients of their appointments, and much more.

 

Jodi Cordes, employee and volunteer services administrator, gave special recognition to the top ten contributors. They include: Jean Orr, Eugene Martineau, Nye Mosher, Trudy Dawson, Patricia Kilkenny, Alvin McDonald, Lawrence Wilbur, Jean Rand, Bonnie Slater, and Elizabeth Richards.

 

Governor Urges Congressional Delegation to Support Funding for Cold Case Homicide Squad

AUGUSTA – In the attached letter to Maine’s Congressional Delegation, Governor Paul R. LePage wrote Friday to request financial support to create a cold case homicide squad dedicated exclusively to unsolved homicides. The bill, LD 1734, “An Act To Create a Cold Case Homicide Unit in the Department of the Attorney General,” faces an uphill battle in Maine’s Legislature where appropriators refuse to see it as a priority.

Today, there are 120 unsolved homicides in Maine. LD 1734 creates a cold case homicide squad to focus on helping families who have lost a loved one to murder.

“I believe that we as elected officials have a duty to provide for the public safety. For me, the duty is one that I see as primary,” wrote Governor LePage. “As this legislative session has progressed, I have anxiously watched to see whether the legislature will fund the cold case homicide squad and other initiatives that are needed to ensure public safety.”

Governor LePage requested federal financial support due to budget constraints on the State. The Department of Public Safety is now severely underfunded and understaffed and is without the financial stability to fund the homicide team.

“If you can assist the Department of Public Safety in obtaining federal grants of other federal monies, then I believe that we can finally bring justice to Maine families who have lost loved ones,” the Governor wrote. “I urge you to please join my effort to get this cold case homicide squad off the ground.”

Governor LePage Issues Statement About Liberals’ Job-Killing Agenda

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage today released a statement about LD 1835, “An Act to Improve Maine’s Ability to Attract Major Private Investments,” which was defeated in the Senate.

“The defeat of our Open for Business Zones is just the latest attack by job-killing liberal politicians on our efforts to improve the state’s business climate and create careers for Mainers. These liberals have pursued their anti-business agenda with a vengeance this session. They tried to penalize call centers, which bring good-paying jobs to Mainers across the state. They denied hard-working Mainers the chance to vote on whether they wanted to lower taxes. They even prevented teenagers from getting jobs in movie theaters and bowling alleys.

“Now they are chasing away major employers who would create high-paying jobs and long-term careers that would provide economic opportunities for Maine families. This vote sends a very clear message: liberals would rather try to score political points than create jobs for Mainers.”

Hospital Unveils Domestic Violence Awareness Ambulance

Reflects organization’s ongoing commitment to increase awareness of domestic violence

FARMINGTON, MAINE¾

 

Franklin Memorial Hospital unveiled a recently painted member of its NorthStar fleet on Wednesday, an ambulance painted in a shiny purple-and-white color scheme. It’s detailed with multiple shades of purple with symbolic oversized ribbons to bring awareness to the issue of domestic violence.

“It’s yet another representation of our organization’s ongoing commitment to domestic violence awareness, community education, and support services,” said Gerald Cayer, Franklin Community Health Network (FCHN) executive vice president. “Police have reported that having local resources available and supporting awareness increases reports of domestic violence. This is an important step in breaking the chain of violence.”

 

Also featured prominently on the ambulance is the message, “There are no excuses, period!” along with the area’s domestic violence helpline number and a link to view a six-minute video developed by staff at Franklin Memorial Hospital called “Break the Chain” Purple Glove Dance.

 

“Internet search results reveal that this vehicle may be the first domestic violence awareness ambulance in the country, although I did find domestic-violence-awareness-themed police cars and fire trucks,” said Jill Gray, FCHN community relations manager.

 

Cayer along with Mike Senecal, NorthStar director, and Lee Ireland, NorthStar regional operations manager, participated in a brainstorming discussion for the ambulance paint job that was sparked after seeing Sugarloaf’s pink snow cat in December, and earlier Webber Energy Fuels’ pink propane delivery truck, both of which bring awareness to breast cancer.

 

The domestic violence awareness ambulance will dispatch out of all five NorthStar base locations: Farmington, Carrabassett Valley, Livermore, Phillips, and Rangeley. It is expected to travel about 30,000 miles in the next year. This will include distances as far north as Fort Kent and as far south as Boston. The ambulance will also make special appearances at community parades, festivals, and fairs.

 

“I would also like to acknowledge and express thanks to the members of the Franklin County Domestic Violence Task Force for their commitment in keeping the issue of domestic violence front and center locally,” added Cayer.

 

NorthStar responds to more than 5,000 calls each year in 71 communities over the 2,800 square-mile area it serves.

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage today sent the following veto message to the 126^th Legislature:

9 April 2014

The 126^th Legislature of the State of Maine

State House

Augusta, ME

Dear Honorable Members of the 126^th Legislature:

            Under the authority vested in me by Article IV, Part Third, Section 2 of the Constitution of the State of Maine, I am hereby vetoing LD 1487, “An Act To Provide Fiscal Predictability to the MaineCare Program and Health Security to Maine People.”

            Maine cannot afford to expand Medicaid to 100,000 able-bodied adults. The expansion offered through Obamacare would have a disastrous impact on Maine’s budget, as well as those truly needy individuals, our disabled and elderly, who rely today on the scarce resources in our program. Maine has been down this road before, and we must learn from previous experience. Medicaid spending grew by one billion dollars in a decade, hospital bills were not being paid by the state, budgets were broken and thousands of elderly and people with disabilities were forced to wait for critical services

The fiscal savings promised by Medicaid expansion and managed care are merely mirages. Proponents of this bill tout “free” federal money and unspecified state “savings” with no backup for these claims. It is shortsighted to think federal funds will always be available, especially after watching the federal deficit climb and witnessing continual delays and changes from Washington. When savings were promised in the past as a result of expanding Medicaid, they never materialized, leaving Maine taxpayers holding the bill.

Previous expansions of the program have taught us that when we grow a welfare program like Medicaid, people will drop their private insurance and flock to government assistance. This drives up the cost for everyone else who maintains their own private health care coverage, and it makes no sense when half of the proposed Medicaid recipients already have access to low-cost private health insurance. Experience from other states has also taught us that managed care can create savings in states with traditionally high healthcare provider reimbursement rates because the managed care companies cut rates to those providers. It makes no fiscal sense to bring an out-of-state company to Maine and take taxpayer money to pay them to cut rates to our doctors and nurses. DHHS is already working to coordinate the care provided to our most expensive Medicaid populations, and the fiscal results are excellentundefinedbetter than those seen in states with managed care companies running the programs.   

Unlike many other states being lured into expansion by the promise of federal deficit Medicaid dollars, we have been down this road before. We know how the story ends: broken budgets and the disabled on waitlists for services. We know the argumentsundefinedthey’re the same as the last timeundefinedand we know the ruinous results of expansion. For the sake of the truly needy and Maine taxpayers, we cannot go down this path again.

            For these reasons, I return LD 1487 unsigned and vetoed. I strongly urge the Legislature to sustain it.

                                                                        Sincerely,

                                                                        Paul R. LePage

                                                                        Governor