Nov 10, 2026
Waterville — HealthReach Community Health Centers is proud to again be recognized by MaineHealth Center for Tobacco Independence’s Breathe Easy Initiative at the Platinum level for the 2026 Gold Star Standards of Excellence Program. The Breathe Easy Gold Star Standards of Excellence Program recognizes Maine health organizations that address tobacco use and exposure by implementing strategies that support tobacco treatment and prevention.
“Maine’s hospitals, healthcare systems, colleges, and behavioral health organizations continue to be leaders in reducing tobacco use, limiting exposure to secondhand smoke, and addressing nicotine addiction,” said Sarah Rines, Director at the MaineHealth Center for Tobacco Independence. “By meeting the Gold Star Standards of Excellence, these organizations are actively supporting the health of their communities.”
“We are honored to receive the Platinum Level Breathe Easy Gold Star Standards of Excellence Award, the program’s highest level of recognition. This award reflects the hard work, collaboration, and compassion of our teams, who strive to deliver outstanding care and improve the health of the communities we serve. It demonstrates our dedication to promoting tobacco-free living and ensuring that individuals who use tobacco have access to effective cessation resources, education, and support,” said Tarsha Rodrigue, HealthReach Director of Clinical Quality Improvement.
The celebration for the 2026 Gold Star Standards of Excellence award is scheduled for November 16, with awardees from thirty-four healthcare, higher education, behavioral health, and hospital organizations in attendance.
HealthReach Community Health Centers — founded in 1975 and headquartered in Waterville, Maine — is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating 11 community health centers and 2 school-based health centers 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 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.
Oct 8, 2026
Waterville — HealthReach Community Health Centers is proud to have been nominated as Maine’s Community Star for National Rural Health Day. This national observance shines a spotlight on the dedication of rural healthcare providers, State Offices of Rural Health, and partners working to address the unique healthcare needs of rural communities across America.
Each year, in celebration of National Rural Health Day (NRHD), the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) invites all 50 State Offices of Rural Health and other rural health stakeholders to recognize individuals and organizations making a significant impact in rural health through the Community Star Recognition Program. Since 2015, this program has honored nearly 500 Community Stars across all 50 states, highlighting those dedicated to making a difference.
Since 1975, HealthReach has provided affordable, high-quality healthcare to underserved communities in Central and Western Maine. With a vision of positive, improving health outcomes for rural Mainers, HealthReach offers integrated healthcare services at 13 sites. In 2025, HealthReach sites served a combined 26,740 patients.
The celebration for Maine’s Community Star award will happen at the New England Rural Health Association Conference in November with awardees from other New England states. Randi Bento, HealthReach Director of Operations, looks forward to representing HealthReach at this event.
HealthReach Community Health Centers — founded in 1975 and headquartered in Waterville, Maine — is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating 11 community health centers and 2 school-based health centers 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.
Aug 12, 2026
Gardiner — HealthReach is proud to announce the opening of their second school-based health center (SBHC), located at Gardiner Area High School, next to the nurse’s office.
Cassidy Doyon, FNP
The health center is set to open on September 15th. HealthReach looks forward to orienting teachers and staff to the health center ahead of the school year at the upcoming teacher workshop day and meeting families at the upcoming student open house and athletic night. MSAD # 11 and the Gardiner SBHC Advisory Committee invite community members to attend an open house on November 5, alongside parent-teacher conference night at 40 W Hill Rd. in Gardiner.
Services available at Gardiner Area High School “Tiger” Health Center will reflect the same services offered at any primary care office, providing an easy-to-access alternative to a traditional office for families and staff members in need of a convenient healthcare option. The health center will be open: M, T, Th, F on regular school days, from 7am – 3pm and will close any school closure days.
The health center will also welcome a new clinician to HealthReach: Cassidy Doyon, FNP. Doyon earned her Family Nurse Practitioner and Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees from Saint Joseph’s College of Maine. Doyon’s 13 years of medical experience includes pediatric healthcare and certificates in CLC, PALS, STABLE, and NRP. Her robust background in child and adolescent care will make her an excellent clinician to serve Gardiner students and staff at Tiger Health Center.
With questions or concerns about the Gardiner Area High School “Tiger” Health Center, please contact HealthReach via email at HRCHC@HealthReach.org.
Tiger Health Center, founded in 2026, is a HealthReach School-Based Health Center — headquartered in Waterville, Maine. HealthReach Community Health Centers is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating 11 family medical practices and 2 school-based health centers. The HealthReach mission is to serve the otherwise medically underserved. 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 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.
Jul 21, 2026
Waterville — HealthReach Community Health Centers’ President & CEO, Connie Coggins, is pleased to announce that Heidi Richards has been chosen as the organization’s new Assistant Director of Operations.
Heidi Richards
Over the past five years, Richards has served as the Practice Manager for HealthReach’s Western Maine Family Health Center in Livermore Falls and has also led the Medication Refill Department. In that time, she has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, operational insight, and a deep commitment to our teams and the patients we serve. Director of Operations, Randi Bento, said, “Heidi has played a key role in developing the Medication Refill Department, strengthening workflows, and improving communication across teams. She is widely respected for her collaborative approach, willingness to step in where needed, and dedication to fostering a positive and supportive workplace culture.”
Of her new position, Richards says, “I’m truly excited to start this new chapter in my career. HealthReach is a fantastic organization, and I look forward to serving our communities in a new capacity.” Heidi’s leadership style, experience with the organization, and care for our patients will be wonderful assets in this new position.
Richards joins the HealthReach Executive Team – President & CEO, Connie Coggins; Director of Operations, Randi Bento; Medical Director, Amy Madden; Assistant Medical Director, Melissa Hackett; Director of Behavioral Health, Leslie Lufkin; Director of Clinical Quality Improvement, Tarsha Rodrigue; Director of Human Resources, Brenda Bowden; Director of Information Technology, Scott Reid; and Director of Finance, Donna Williams.
HealthReach Community Health Centers — founded in 1975 and headquartered in Waterville, Maine — 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.
May 26, 2026
Gardiner – HealthReach Community Health Centers is partnering with MSAD #11 to open a health center at Gardiner Area High School beginning in the fall semester. Healthcare services will be offered to students enrolled in the Gardiner school district, as well as staff, throughout the school year.
Gardiner “Tiger” Health Center will offer primary and mental healthcare services. These services include routine checkups, sports physicals, diagnosis and treatment of minor illnesses, management of chronic conditions, labs, immunizations, and more. Services available at the SBHC will reflect the same services offered at any primary care office, providing an easy-to-access alternative to a traditional office for families and staff members in need of a convenient healthcare option. Locating health centers within schools helps communities by reducing costs for transportation, supporting working parents, and increasing the time each student can spend in the classroom — improving educational outcomes. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit, HealthReach’s mission is “to provide high-quality, affordable, patient-centered healthcare in the medically underserved communities of Central and Western Maine.”
All enrolled students and school staff are eligible to receive services through HealthReach’s SBHCs, regardless of whether they have insurance coverage. HealthReach provides sliding fee scales, medication cost support, and other pay support options to patients who qualify. Patients are not turned away based on their ability to pay. Additionally, HealthReach accepts Medicare, MaineCare, and most other major insurers. HealthReach will partner with the district to organize exam space to see patients, which will offer convenient, positive health and educational outcomes; but funding for clinical operations — including salaries, equipment, and supplies — is funded entirely by HealthReach Community Health Centers.
HealthReach Community Health Centers — founded in 1975 and headquartered in Waterville, Maine — is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating 11 community health centers and 2 school-based health centers 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.
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