FARMINGTON – Approximately 50 community members attended the Sept. 29 annual meeting of Franklin Community Health Network, receiving a printed annual report, along with updates regarding new medical staff, new services and programs, challenges, MaineHealth membership and more. Presenters included Rebecca Arsenault, FCHN president/CEO, and Joseph Bujold, board chair.
Arsenault pointed out significant accomplishments over the past year that included: adding a very successful walk-in urgent care service for Franklin Health Pediatrics; being selected for the fourth consecutive year as a most-wired hospital; receiving patient-centered medical home designation in primary care practices; expanding behavioral health services with case management, and electroconvulsive therapy; and unveiling a NorthStar ambulance painted in a purple-and-white color scheme to bring awareness to the issue of domestic violence. “Indeed we have much to be proud of,” she said.
“This past fiscal year was a pivotal year for our organization,” added Arsenault. Throughout the year, the FCHN board of directors engaged in a process to analyze strategic options for the network’s future and concluded that membership in the MaineHealth system would assure the delivery and quality of health care in the greater Franklin County area. We anticipate that our membership into the MaineHealth system will be finalized by October 1.”
Bujold added, “We did our homework and the board unanimously decided that MaineHealth was the best option for us. This decision best positions our organization to assure health care services for our communities for the next generation.”
Fenwick Fowler was presented the Franklin Community Health Leadership Award at the conclusion of the meeting. The presentation of the award has become a highlight of the annual meeting in recent years.
Fowler was cited for a lifetime investment that included: 38 years of leadership at Western Maine Community Action. During this time he has stabilized funding and growth to this nonprofit that focuses on services that include health care, job training, child development, housing, and community development; developing a statewide community action effort to help seniors age in place by converting their own homes for accessibility; serving on numerous community committees and boards, including the Maine Community Action Association, the Rural Institute on Poverty, Western Maine Alliance, and the Maine JOBS Council, among others; and receiving grant awards, over $1 million, to implement a system so individuals better understand and sign up for health insurance through the Marketplace.
The year’s highlights are featured in the network’s 2013/2014 annual report. To receive a report, contact Jill Gray in the Community Relations office at 779-2555 or 1-800-398-6031, ext. 2555. The report can also be viewed online at www.fchn.org/about/annual-report.
Franklin Community Health Network includes Franklin Memorial Hospital, Franklin Health medical practices, Evergreen Behavioral Services, NorthStar EMS, and the Healthy Community Coalition of Greater Franklin County.
Well deserved Fen!
Congrats Fen – you have been doing great work for many years – well deserved.