Madison Area Health Ctr

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“I used to feel like a hamster on a wheel” says Renée White, a patient at the Belgrade Regional Health Center. Juggling medications and handling symptoms of several chronic illnesses were wearing on her. In early June, however, Renée decided to attend a six-week chronic disease self-management course sponsored by the health center, Living Well for Better Health. “The class made me want to better myself,” Renée says, “and now I have the drive to work on my health.” Thanks to setting weekly goals through the class, Renée successfully cut back on soda and she continues to experiment with calorie free alternatives. Renée also found it inspiring to be part of a group going through similar challenges. “Seeing [my classmate] continue to work on his own health made me decide to quit smoking.” Currently, Renée works with the Maine Tobacco Helpline and has set a quit date. What’s next for Renée now that she is off of the so-called hamster wheel? “I am motivated to get on a treadmill,” she says. Ruthie Stone has been a patient at Belgrade since it first opened in the old school house back in 1977. “Before that, I did not have a regular doctor and I went to the emergency room.” Not only does Ruthie rely on the health center for good, quick health information, but she also appreciates the “caring” staff members who make sure that people are physically healthy plus much more. About her medical provider, Vickie Chapman, APRN, Ruthie says, “I am taken seriously and she listens to what I say. I believe in her.” The health center has also helped Ruthie pay for medications that she cannot afford. When she had health insurance but not enough money to purchase all her medications, the health center provided free samples. And then, once she lost her insurance, her provider referred her to the Patient Assistance Program, run right at the health center by Crystal W. Fitch, LSW. Through this program, she is able to obtain many of her medications for free. “I would spend more money than I make on prescriptions without the Patient Assistance Program,” says Ruthie, “There is no way to get medications without insurance.” Philip Howe, patient of Mt. Abram Regional Health Center, Kingfield “I’m generally healthy, but it’s still nice to know the health center is there if I need it,” according to Mt. Abram Regional Health Center patient, Philip Howe. “Since it’s local, I’m more likely to go to the doctor, especially back when I was self-employed, because time was money.” Now recovering from a stroke, Howe became a patient of the health center after his primary care physician in Farmington left the area. “Down there you never knew who you were going to see,” he said. “When it was recommended I try the Kingfield location, I thought it would be nice to simplify things and stay close to home.” Howe’s stroke left him unable to write well and he needed help filling out paperwork for MaineCare and Social Security, and that’s where Crystal W. Fitch, LSW stepped in through the company’s Navigator Program. “If Crystal had not been available, I’m not sure who would have helped me fill out all the paperwork,” said Howe.

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