HealthReach welcomes new Clinician, Linda Lovrien, LCPC

Albion — This March, staff at the Lovejoy Health Center are happy to welcome Linda Lovrien, LCPC, to their professional healthcare team.

Linda Lovrien

Linda Lovrien, LCPC

Lovrien earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lubbock Christian University in Lubbock, TX. Lovrien has more than a decade of experience working with patients, and has expertise that includes trauma therapy, grief counseling, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Additionally, her certification as a yoga insctructor helps to inform meditation techniques as a mode of care for her patients. Her extensive range of experience will make her a great addition to the Lovejoy team.

Of her new position with HealthReach, Lovrien said, “I am very excited to be joining the Lovejoy Heath Center family. I am very passionate about sharing my diverse talents with the community and dedicated to helping individuals of all ages navigate life’s challenges in a safe, nonjudgmental, and caring environment. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone and exploring all treasures that make this area so special.”

Lovrien joins the existing Lovejoy clinical team — Doctor Dean Chamberlain; Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, Daniel Keane; Family Nurse Practitioner, Michelle Breen; Physician Assistants, Diana Dearden, Cory Miller, and Haley Sherman; Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Melanie Morin; and Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Alyssa Alley.

Founded in 1978, Lovejoy Health Center is a part of HealthReach Community Health Centers — headquartered in Waterville, Maine. HealthReach is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating 11 community health centers and 1 school-based health center, with the mission of serving the otherwise medically underserved communities of Central and Western Maine. HealthReach delivers high-quality, accessible healthcare services, including general primary and preventative healthcare, behavioral healthcare, substance use disorder treatment, dental, and podiatric care services. To ensure access for everyone, HealthReach accepts Medicare, MaineCare, and major insurance providers, and there are no eligibility requirements to access care through HealthReach; all are welcome. 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.

The above is issued in furtherance of HealthReach Community Health Centers’ federally funded health center project. In 2025, HealthReach received $4,436,654 in federal assistance, which is estimated as constituting 12% of project costs. Of total project costs for 2025, HealthReach estimates 88% financed with 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 New Board Members for 2026

Joanne Joy

Joanne Joy

Melinda Corey

Melinda Corey

Karen Sennett

Karen Sennett

 

 

 

 

 

 

WATERVILLE – Connie Coggins, President & CEO of HealthReach Community Health Centers, is pleased to announce that three new members have joined the organization’s Governing Board of Directors. Melinda Corey, Karen Sennett, and Joanne Joy will join returning Board members for the 2026 year.

Melinda Corey is the Outreach Specialist for Help Me Grow Maine, a free resource focused on providing information, systems navigation, and connections to parents and providers around child development and community supports. She has spent over 16 years in the early childhood field, and holds various certifications that support child assessment, advocacy, and safety. She also holds a Masters of Special Education degree with a specialization in Early Intervention.

Karen Sennett is a seasoned Registered Nurse, Certified Nurse of the Operating Room (CNOR), and Registered Nurse First Assistant with over 25 years of perioperative, leadership, and community health experience. She is a member of the Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses and the American Society of Plastic Surgical Nurses. Karen has been recognized for improving patient experience, supporting surgical excellence, and building a strong presence in the community.

Joanne Joy led a public health nonprofit focused on primary prevention for over 20 years. Education and advocacy were key strategies she employed in changing policy and environments to support prevention of tobacco and other substance use, and to improve access and use of daily health foods and activities. She holds a Master’s degree in Examination of Discrimination in Health Care and Social Services through the Lens of Generational Poverty.

HealthReach looks forward to the expertise and unique experience that all three of these new Board Members will bring to the existing Board. In 2026, returning to serve on the Board are: Jenny Boyden, Paula Callan, Paul Forman, Buffy Higgins, Jim Higgins, Michelle Kelley, John Opperman, and Susan Tedrick.

HealthReach Community Health Centers — founded in 1975 and headquartered in Waterville, Maine — is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating twelve family medical practices with the mission of serving the otherwise medically underserved communities of Central and Western Maine. HealthReach delivers high-quality, accessible healthcare services, including general primary and preventative healthcare, behavioral healthcare, substance use disorder treatment, dental, and podiatric care services. To ensure access for everyone, HealthReach accepts Medicare, MaineCare, and major insurance providers, and there are no eligibility requirements to access care through HealthReach; all are welcome. 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.

The above is issued in furtherance of HealthReach Community Health Centers’ federally funded health center project. In 2025, HealthReach received approximately $4,436,654 in federal assistance, which is estimated as constituting 12% of project costs. Of total project costs for 2025, HealthReach financed 88% with 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 New Board Member

Dr. Paul Forman

WATERVILLE – Connie Coggins, President & CEO of HealthReach Community Health Centers, is pleased to announce that Dr. Paul Forman has joined the organization’s Governing Board of Directors.

Dr. Paul Forman, of Albion, Maine, is a retired medical clinician. After graduating with his Doctor of Medicine degree and completing his residency as Chief Resident at Central Maine Family Practice Residency (now Maine-Dartmouth Family Medicine Residency), Dr. Forman worked as one of the founders and as a staff member of the Lovejoy Health Center. He continued serving at Lovejoy from its opening in 1978 until 2007. Additionally, Dr. Forman served as Chairman of the Department of Family Medicine, Chief of Medical Staff, and At-Large Director on the Board of Directors all at the Mid-Maine Medical Center (now MaineGeneral). Currently, he is a member of the MaineGeneral Medical Center Honorary Medical Staff. The HealthReach team is grateful to have Dr. Forman back as a member of the HealthReach Board of Directors, and looks forward to all that we can accomplish with his support.

Dr. Forman will join Board officers: Jim Higgins, Chair; Jack Ducharme, Vice Chair; and John Opperman, Secretary & Treasurer; as well as Board members: Jenny Boyden, Paula Callan, Buffy Higgins, Michelle Kelley, Juliana Richard, Susan Tedrick, and Allen Wicken. HealthReach appreciates the volunteer efforts of its Board members, who contribute to the leadership, direction, and success of the nonprofit. Without them, HealthReach would not be able to serve the people of rural Maine as effectively as it does with local, high-quality, and affordable healthcare.

HealthReach Community Health Centers — headquartered in Waterville, Maine — is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating twelve family medical practices with the mission of serving the otherwise medically underserved. In 2025, HealthReach proudly marks 50 years of delivering high-quality healthcare to the rural communities of Central and Western Maine since its founding in 1975! HealthReach services include general primary and preventative healthcare, including behavioral, substance use disorder, dental, and podiatric care services. To ensure access for everyone, HealthReach accepts Medicare, MaineCare, and major insurance providers, and there are no eligibility requirements to access care through HealthReach; all are welcome. 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.

The above is issued in furtherance of HealthReach Community Health Centers’ federally funded health center project. In 2025, HealthReach is projected to receive $4,436,654 in federal assistance, which is estimated as constituting 12% of project costs. Of total project costs for 2025, HealthReach estimates 88% to be financed with 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.

HealthReach Announces New Board Members for 2025

WATERVILLE – Connie Coggins, President & CEO of HealthReach Community Health Centers, is pleased to announce that two new members have joined the organization’s Governing Board of Directors.

Paula Callan

Paula Callan, of Oakland, Maine, is a retired educator and administrator. After a 10-year high school special education career, she transitioned into the role of assistant principal, and then principal, where she stayed for the remainder of her impressive 40-year career in education. Callan’s unique perspective will be an incredible asset to the HealthReach Board. The HealthReach team looks forward to what she will be able to accomplish alongside her new colleagues.

Buffy Higgins

Buffy Higgins, of Fairfield, Maine, has held many roles in healthcare operations and finance. She serves as Director of Operations at Redington-Fairview General Hospital in Skowhegan. Previously, she held a variety of positions at MaineGeneral Health, and worked closely with former HealthReach board member Terry Brann and MaineGeneral’s finance team. HealthReach is thrilled to welcome Buffy to the Board of Directors, and looks forward to the positive impact she will make for the organization.

Paula Callan and Buffy Higgins will join Board officers: Jim Higgins, Chair; Jack Ducharme, Vice Chair; and John Opperman, Secretary & Treasurer; as well as Board members: Jenny Boyden, Michelle Kelley, Juliana Richard, Susan Tedrick, Carolyn Tranten, and Allen Wicken. HealthReach appreciates the volunteer efforts of its Board members, who contribute to the leadership, direction, and success of the nonprofit. Without them, HealthReach would not be able to serve the people of rural Maine as effectively as it does with local, high-quality, and affordable healthcare.

HealthReach Community Health Centers — headquartered in Waterville, Maine — is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating twelve family medical practices with the mission of serving the otherwise medically underserved. In 2025, HealthReach proudly marks 50 years of delivering high-quality healthcare to the rural communities of Central and Western Maine since its founding in 1975! HealthReach services include general primary and preventative healthcare, including behavioral, substance use disorder, dental, and podiatric care services. To ensure access for everyone, HealthReach accepts Medicare, MaineCare, and major insurance providers, and there are no eligibility requirements to access care through HealthReach; all are welcome. 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.

The above is issued in furtherance of HealthReach Community Health Centers’ federally funded health center project. In 2025, HealthReach is projected to receive $4,436,654 in federal assistance, which is estimated as constituting 12% of project costs. Of total project costs for 2025, HealthReach estimates 88% to be financed with 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.

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HealthReach Celebrates 50 Years of Providing Rural Healthcare Services!

WATERVILLE — Connie Coggins, HealthReach President & CEO, is happy to commemorate an important milestone: in 2025, HealthReach Community Health Centers marks its 50th year of providing high-quality, affordable care to rural Maine. Founded in 1975, HealthReach’s mission continues to be serving the otherwise medically underserved areas of Central and Western Maine. HealthReach offers rural communities convenient healthcare close to home, including general primary and preventative, behavioral, substance use disorder, dental, and podiatric care services.

In 1975, when the local doctor in Bingham retired, the tightknit community pulled together and imagined a family medical practice where everyone felt welcome. Working together, neighbors helped raise funds to renovate an old house, which they converted into a community health center. This is how the very first HealthReach clinic — Bingham Area Health Center — was formed!

Since its founding, HealthReach has gradually grown to now operate 12 community health centers across Maine, including one school-based health center, as well as integrated dental centers in two towns: Bingham and Strong. HealthReach is a 501c3 nonprofit that offers patients high-quality care without high costs by putting patients before profits. Nearly 300 HealthReach staff serve 26,000 patients each year. The majority of the volunteer HealthReach Governing Board are patients of HealthReach. This model has led to steady success by building the voice of the patient into the organization’s strategy and priorities.

HealthReach proudly celebrates a half-century of patient-centered care while looking forward to the future!

HealthReach Community Health Centers — headquartered in Waterville, Maine — is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating twelve family medical practices
with the mission of serving the otherwise medically underserved. In 2025, HealthReach proudly marks 50 years of delivering high-quality healthcare to
the rural communities of Central and Western Maine since its founding in 1975! HealthReach services include general primary and preventative healthcare, including behavioral, substance use disorder, dental, and podiatric care services. To ensure access for everyone, HealthReach accepts Medicare, MaineCare, and major insurance providers, and there are no eligibility requirements to access care through HealthReach; all are welcome. 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.

The above is issued in furtherance of HealthReach Community Health Centers’ federally funded health center project. In 2025, HealthReach is projected to
receive $4,436,654 in federal assistance, which is estimated as constituting 12% of project costs. Of total project costs for 2025, HealthReach estimates 88% to be financed with 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 New Board Member for 2025

Susan Tedrick

WATERVILLE – Connie Coggins, President & CEO of HealthReach Community Health Centers, is pleased to announce that a new member has joined the organization’s Governing Board of Directors.

Susan Tedrick of Farmington, Maine, has a deep understanding of healthcare, having served as in-house counsel at Maine Hospital Association, Vice President of Legal Administration at MaineGeneral Health, and Chief Compliance Officer at Franklin Memorial Hospital. In her free time, Susan enjoys music, having participated in many shows, theater, and ensembles. She also enjoys spending time with her son and 3-year old granddaughter; traveling; and restoring antique and classical architecture. Susan has restored 12 antique homes built between 1789 and 1920! We look forward to the well-rounded expertise that Susan will bring to our Board.

Of her addition to the Board, Susan says,

“I am delighted for the opportunity to serve on the HealthReach Community Health Centers Board of Directors. I have represented the Southern Seven Community Health Centers (now part of Southern Seven Health Department) in Illinois, and serve on the Heart of Florida Health Center Board of Directors in Marion County, Florida. Each FQHC serves a unique population, but all strive to provide the highest quality care and easy access to services. Whether well-insured, underinsured, or uninsured, high-quality nonprofit healthcare is available to all.”

In 2025, returning to serve as Board officers are: Jim Higgins, Chair; Jack Ducharme, Vice Chair; and John Opperman, Secretary & Treasurer.

HealthReach Community Health Centers — headquartered in Waterville, Maine — is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating twelve family medical practices with the mission of serving the otherwise medically underserved. In 2025, HealthReach proudly marks 50 years of delivering high-quality healthcare to the rural communities of Central and Western Maine since its founding in 1975! HealthReach services include general primary and preventative healthcare, including behavioral, substance use disorder, dental, and podiatric care services. To ensure access for everyone, HealthReach accepts Medicare, MaineCare, and major insurance providers, and there are no eligibility requirements to access care through HealthReach; all are welcome. 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.

The above is issued in furtherance of HealthReach Community Health Centers’ federally funded health center project. In 2025, HealthReach is projected to receive $4,436,654 in federal assistance, which is estimated as constituting 12% of project costs. Of total project costs for 2025, HealthReach estimates 88% to be financed with 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.

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