HealthReach Announces Completion of Madison Health Center Renovations

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

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

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.

 

 

HealthReach welcomes longtime patient, Shirley Lataille, to Governing Board of Directors

WATERVILLE – Connie Coggins, President & CEO of HealthReach Community Health Centers, is pleased to join the HealthReach Governing Board of Directors in welcoming its newest volunteer member, Shirley Lataille.

Lataille is a longtime patient of HealthReach. The Maine Primary Care Association recently collaborated with HealthReach to feature Lataille’s healthcare journey with her integrated team of clinicians in a powerful new documentary, A Secret No More. The short 12-minute film highlights the “best kept secret in Maine” – community health centers that have provided everyone access to affordable and high-quality healthcare close to home for 50 years. Lataille is well-versed in HealthReach’s many services. She now passionately advocates for both mental health awareness and access to integrated healthcare.

 

Photo of Shirley Lataille - glasses and smiling in a tan sweater with a beige scarf.

Shirley Lataille

 

Lataille shares, “I’m really looking forward to working with everyone on the Board. I’m also looking forward to the future of HealthReach, Madison Area Health Center, and all of the improvements that we can continue to make!” You can watch and listen to Shirley’s story here – https://bit.ly/madisonstory

 

 

The HealthReach Governing Board of Directors is comprised of an incredible group of volunteer leaders – the majority of whom, like Shirley, are themselves patients of HealthReach. This model of patient representation ensures that the most important perspectives – those of rural Maine communities and, especially, of patients – form the basis for all major organizational decisions.

Working alongside Lataille on the HealthReach Board are: Jack Ducharme, Chair; Bruce Harrington, Vice Chair; John Opperman, Secretary & Treasurer; Terry Brann, Candy Henderly, Jim Higgins, Michelle Kelley, Lisa Landry, Juliana Richard, Brenda Stevens, and Allen Wicken, Members.

HealthReach Community Health Centers is a Federally Qualified Health Center organization 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 return of Allen Wicken to Governing Board of Directors

Waterville – Connie Coggins, President & CEO of HealthReach Community Health Centers, is pleased to announce the return of Allen Wicken, PT, PTMS, of Rangeley to the HealthReach Governing Board of Directors.

After earning his Master’s degree in Physical Therapy from Duke University, Allen joined Maine Medical Center as a Physical Therapist. He was promoted to Director of the Physical Therapy Division just one year later. 16 years later, he joined IMPACC, inc. as an Ergonomics Consultant, while at the same time joining the Center for Tobacco Independence at MaineHealth as their Clinical Outreach Specialist. Following several busy years with the Maine Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association – including two terms as president – Allen joined staff at the association’s headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia, as Associate Director of the Practice & Research Division.

Allen is a prolific volunteer, dedicated to serving his community. He served 14 years as a member of the Leadership Board of the Maine Chapter of the American Lung Association. He has also previously held several high-profile positions, including as Vice-Chairperson on the Maine Governor’s Council on Physical Activity, and as a Board Member with the Healthy Community Coalition.

Allen’s many years as a clinician and in healthcare leadership roles have led to his perspective regarding HealthReach: “My first five years on the HealthReach Board of Directors have shown me how talented the organization really is. Its staff and leadership are deeply committed to the very best health services for its twelve rural communities – including the Rangeley Region, where my wife and I have lived for the past 23 years – across Central and Western Maine. I am excited to return to serve on its Board once again.” Please join us in thanking Allen for his continuing service to the people of Maine!

The HealthReach Board has seen three new members elected in 2023 – Michelle Kelley, James Higgins, and Lisa Landry. Returning Board Members include the full slate of 2023 officers: Rep. Jack Ducharme, as Chair; Bruce Harrington, as Vice Chair; and John Opperman, as both Secretary and Treasurer.

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 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 Announces New Board Members for 2023

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

Michelle Kelley of Albion works as a Postal Clerk for the United States Postal Service in Albion. She also brings a background in childcare and customer service.

James Higgins comes from a background in insurance, working over 40 years with Cigna Global Health Insurance Company. James brings a passion for the healthcare industry after working with clinical teams throughout Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont.

Lisa Landry is the Director of Human Resources at Redington Fairview Hospital in Skowhegan. She received her Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from the University of Ohio. She graduated from the University of Maine School of Law in 2011. Lisa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Maine at Orono.

In 2023, returning to serve as officers are: Jack Ducharme as the Chair, Bruce Harrington as the Vice Chair, and John Opperman as the Secretary & Treasurer. Board members and staff expressed their appreciation to outgoing Board members Mer Doucette, Lynn Matson, Ann Nicholson, and Marty Weiss during the Board’s January meeting.

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 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 Dr. Patrice M. Thibodeau

WATERVILLE – Patrice M. Thibodeau, M.D., joined HealthReach Community Health Centers in July. She has more than 25 years of primary care experience serving patients of all ages. Dr. Thibodeau joins our team of covering clinicians, who provide services across multiple sites to ensure continuity of care in the communities we serve.

Dr. Thibodeau obtained her Doctor of Medicine degree from the Pritzker School of Medicine at the University of Chicago in Illinois. She completed her postdoctoral training in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at the University of Rochester, New York. Dr. Thibodeau previously obtained her Bachelors of Arts in Chemistry, Sociology, and Biology at Bowdoin College. She has practiced primary care in the states of New York, Colorado, and Maine. Dr. Thibodeau has also held a number of departmental positions over the years, accumulating more than 20 years of teaching experience – particularly in graduate and postdoctoral medical studies.

Dr. Thibodeau enjoys canoeing, kayaking, hiking, and mountain biking with her partner and two Vizsla dogs. She loves living in Carrabassett Valley, where there are so many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Dr. Thibodeau says, “I am very much looking forward to returning to primary care – even if just on a per diem basis for now!”. She will be a tremendous asset to the HealthReach team and our communities.

HealthReach Community Health Centers is a group of twelve Federally Qualified Health Centers located across Central and Western Maine. Dedicated clinicians deliver high quality medical and behavioral healthcare 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 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.