Vna Home & Hospice

Mobile MammogramsDelivering care closer to home For many women in rural Maine, getting regular mammograms can be tough. They face long drives, limited transportation options, and, sometimes in Maine, you just cant get there from here. Thats why Northern Light CA Dean Hospital and Northern Light Mayo Hospital launched a mobile mammography unit, bringing high-quality breast cancer screenings directly to women who might otherwise go without.The mobile unit is one way Northern Light Health is improving access to healthcare. The most important reason for launching this mobile mammography unit is to reach women in rural communities who might otherwise not have access to their screening mammograms, explains Joann Lovell, director of Imaging at Northern Light CA Dean and Mayo Hospitals.The mobile unit has the same state-of-the-art 3D mammography technology used in Northern Light Healths hospitals and clinics. That means patients get the same exceptional care, same high-quality images, and the same experienced technologists, whether theyre at the hospital or in the mobile unit, explains Lovell.For Lorna Young, the first patient screened in the mobile unit, the convenience was great. It was very easy for me. All I had to do was walk out the back door of my office and into the mobile unit. It was just perfect, says Young, who appreciated how simple the process was and how accessible the screening was for her.The mobile mammography unit travels throughout rural communities statewide, saving patients travel time and removing the stress of securing transportation. This service, Lovell notes, is a game-changer for many patients. For women in these communities, the ability to get a mammogram without traveling long distances makes a world of difference.By sharing resources, staff, and expertise, Northern Light CA Dean and Mayo Hospitals can provide seamless care across a wider area. The collaboration has been a huge benefit to both communities. We share resources, share patients, and that ensures we provide the best care possible, says Lovell, Its not just about screenings; its about offering comprehensive care to these patients.The importance of early detection of breast cancer cannot be of overstated. Regular mammograms can identify potential issues before symptoms appear, increasing the chances of successful treatment. As Lovell put it, If we can prevent even one family from losing a loved one to breast cancer, then weve been a success.For women like Young, the mobile mammography unit offers more than just convenienceit offers peace of mind. I would absolutely recommend this to other women, she says, The convenience and all the advantages it brings to our area are invaluable. Its just an incredible resource.Northern Light Acadia HospitalAddressing Maines shortage of psychiatristsMaine has a critical shortage of psychiatrists. The number of licensed practitioners in our state has dropped from 110 in 2020 to just 50 in 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. To address this urgent need, Northern Light Acadia Hospital launched a Psychiatry Residency Program, designed to grow Maines behavioral healthcare workforce, and improve access to mental health services.Supported by a $1 million grant from The Manton Foundation, the program is one of two psychiatric residencies in Maine and the only one north of Portland. After receiving 494 applications on the first day alone, Acadia Hospital leaders interviewed 95 candidates and matched four residents through the National Resident Matching Program.The smaller hospital setting at Acadia has created a close-knit community where Ive felt welcomed and supported from day one, says Karen Singh, MD, Its been wonderful to return to Maine and experience the states beauty while advancing my career.Kelly Kossen, MD adds, Living here has allowed me to spend my free time exploring farms, hiking, and visiting coastal towns. The staffs kindness has made my transition seamless. Acadias four-year program aims to train 16 residents at full capacity, with the hope that many will continue practicing in Maine. Where doctors train often determines where they stay, says Mark Lukens, president, Northern Light Acadia Hospital, This program is a vital step in addressing Maines mental health challenges.Finding Her VoiceA journey through gender-affirming voice therapyKara Libbys transition journey began in 2018, long before she met Robby Desjardins, MA, the lead speech-language pathologist at Northern Light AR Gould Hospital. She moved to Aroostook County in 2019, hoping for a fresh start and a chance to live more authentically.That fresh start and opportunity still seemed just out of reach for Libby, who struggled with a voice that didn't match how she felt on the inside and looked on the outside. My job has always been on the phone, she shares, And every time I pick up a call, I hear either someone misidentify me or, at best, affirm who I know I am. That constant uncertainty can be draining. I felt invisible, like I was living in two worlds.Libbys voice dysphoria, the discomfort with the mismatch between her voice and her gender identity, was taking its toll. It wasnt just about how others saw me; it was about how I saw myself. Every conversation, even the simplest ones, became a reminder of the gap between who I am and how the world perceived me.Her counselor at the time recommended Desjardins, who specializes in gender-affirming voice therapy. She made the appointment, unsure but hopeful that this could be the help she needed.I met Kira at a time when she was understandably uncertain about the whole process, Desjardins recalls, Its common for patients to feel a bit overwhelmed or self-conscious. The first step is always assessment how does the person perceive their voice, and where do they want it to go?The process began with a baseline recording. Libby was hesitant at first, speaking softly and with visible discomfort. I was nervous, she admits, I wasnt sure how it would work, or if I could even change my voice the way I wanted. I didnt know where to start. From there, Desjardins began to tailor a treatment plan that would address her specific needs. We start by measuring vocal pitch, loudness, and resonance, and then go from there, he explains, But its not just about the mechanics; its about understanding how the patient feels when they use their voice, and what theyre hoping to express through it. Each session involves exercises aimed at increasing vocal pitch, improving resonance, and building confidence. Some days are harder than others, but Desjardins made sure the work was always engaging. He has a way of making it fun, Desjardins laughs, We even read some kindergarten books together. It sounds silly, but he has this way of making every session feel special, like its just for me.After several months of working together, Libby noticed changes. Im not being misgendered as often now, she says, When Robby first recorded me, I wasnt confident at all. I would barely speak in public. Now, I feel so much more comfortable in my skin. For Desjardins, moments like these are what make the work meaningful. When I hear a voice sample from someone thats dramatically different from their baseline, it gives me chills, he says, Its not just about the sound its about seeing someone truly embody their authentic self. Libbys voice now reflects the woman shes always known herself to be. Its not just about changing the way I speak. Its about owning my voice, she says, smiling. And thanks to Robby, Ive learned how to do that.

Northern Light Inland HospitalA bridge to care for communitiesSome Waterville residents are visited by paramedics, as part of a collaborative effort between Northern Light Inland Hospital and the citys fire department. This vital resource is designed to improve patient care and reduce hospital readmissions. Courtney Cook, vice president of Nursing and Patient Care Services, Northern Light Inland Hospital, highlights the importance of this at home program. Waterville is lucky to have the paramedicine program as a community resource, Cook says, emphasizing Inland Hospitals pride in partnering with the program. The program offers a wide range of services to Waterville residents, including home safety checks, medication reviews, vital sign monitoring, blood draws, and wound care. The team works closely with healthcare providers to ensure patients receive the right care, preventing unnecessary hospital visits. The team is a great resource to bridge care gaps for those with medical conditions needing frequent reassessment, Cook explains. Additionally, they provide care for the unhoused population, offering both health checks and referrals to emergency care when necessary. While the Inland Hospital program is currently available only to Waterville residents, Cook is optimistic about its future. The hope is that the pilot will be so successful that funding will become available to expand to other communities, particularly rural areas facing healthcare challenges like limited transportation or accessibility. Inland Hospital works with Northern Light Medical Transport in Ellsworth and Greenville. They are planning future collaboration with Northern Light CA Dean and Maine Coast Hospitals and Hospice of Hancock County. By offering this kind of care outside of the hospital, the program helps ensure people in need receive the timely attention and education they need to maintain their health. Inland Hospital is honored to partner with such a wonderful community resource, meeting people where they are at, Cook adds, "This program is not just a healthcare service its a lifeline for the community." Full CircleBecoming a caregiverLucie Moisan, along with her siblings, are navigating a new chapter in their familys lifebecoming caregivers for their aging parents. Moisan says she never expected to take on a caregiver role, but in September of 2023, life had other plans. Thats when Moisans mother was hospitalized due to kidney failure and required dialysis. It felt surreal to see mom, who had always been our familys rock, now so vulnerable, she reflects. Determined to keep her mother at home, Moisan and her sister, Lisa, stepped in and managed their mothers care. Moisan, a registered nurse, manages her mother's at home dialysis treatments with Lisas help, while coordinating appointments and schedules. Some days, I wake up and think, Can I get through today? she admits. Its overwhelming at times, juggling work as a nurse and caring for them. Seeing dad care for mom, helping her through treatments, was both beautiful and heartbreaking, Moisan shares. Their parents recently celebrated their sixty-seventh wedding anniversary, a milestone that highlighted their enduring love. Even in tough times, you can see the love they have for each other, says Moisan. The situation grew more complicated when their father was diagnosed with new onset congestive heart failure in July 2024. With both parents needing care, the siblings have rallied together. Their brother, Paul, comes by after work to help with household chores and garden maintenance. We created a rotation schedule to make sure someone is always around, Moisan explains, Its crucial for us to be there for them, especially at night. But the strain of caregiving can take its toll and caregivers need their own support systems to make it sustainable. There are days when I feel like I am drowning. Moisan vividly recalls one particularly exhausting day after spending the night at the hospital supporting her mother. I called my boss at Northern Light Home Care & Hospice and told her I needed a break. She said, If you ever need a day off, just let me know. It meant the world to hear that, Moisan recalls, acknowledging the importance of support beyond her family. The family finds moments of joy with one another, amidst the challenges. Watching mom smile while my other sister Jeanine baked apple pies brought warmth into the chaos, Moisan says. The kitchen is a gathering place, filled with laughter and love. Paul often lightens the mood with jokes while cleaning, helping to maintain a sense of levity. Throughout this journey, Moisan has learned valuable lessons about resilience and the importance of community. Being a caregiver has transformed me, she reflects, Its taught me not only how to care for others but also how to take care of myself.Eclipse Four Northern Light Health hospitals were in the path of totality during the solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, including Northern Light Mayo, AR Gould, CA Dean, and Inland hospitals.Healthier PatientsA healthier planetIn 2024, Northern Light Health made significant strides in reducing the effects our operating rooms have on our environment. We have phased out the use of desflurane, a gas commonly used in anesthesia, in favor of sevoflurane. This change is expected to make a substantial reduction in our carbon footprint while simultaneously lowering costs. Desflurane has been widely used in surgeries for years because it takes effect quickly and wears off fast. Unfortunately, compared to other anesthetic gases, desflurane is one of the most environmentally harmful. Desflurane gas is part of a three-member family of anesthetic gases and, of those three, its particularly bad for the environment, explains Tim Doak, vice president of Sustainability, Northern Light Health, Moving away from desflurane to sevoflurane will have an immediate and lasting positive effect. This shift is also expected to reduce Northern Light Healths carbon emissions by approximately 408 metric tons annually, roughly 990,000 pounds heavier than the International Space Station and as much as three blue whales. This reduction is a crucial part of the broader goal of reducing our total carbon emissions by 50% by 2030, as outlined in our Department of Health and Human Services Health Care Sector Pledge, with carbon neutrality targeted by 2050. The environmental benefits are clear, but there are also significant financial advantages to the change. Desflurane is the most expensive anesthetic gas, by eliminating it Northern Light Health will save around $50,000 per year; The cost savings are substantial, Doak adds, Not only are we having a positive effect on the environment, but were able to reinvest those savings into other important aspects of patient care and hospital operations. A win for patients too Patients will receive the same high level of care, as the safety profile of the anesthesia remains unchanged, says Sarah Smith, DO, chief of Anesthesiology at Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center. The difference lies in the environmental effect, which we can now reduce significantly without compromising patient outcomes. This transition is a win-win and a step toward sustainability." Northern Light Health physicians and other providers were the driving force in eliminating desflurane, and they were pleased to become more involved in our sustainability efforts. Northern Light Health has already made great strides to reducing our carbon footprint in other areas of our facilities, Doak adds, This initiative is a way for clinicians to also have an active role in contributing to environmental causes. Its exciting to see how our teams are rallying around this effort. Northern Light Health is the first healthcare organization in Maine to make this change, and our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint sets a strong example. I believe Northern Light Health is truly leading the way, not just in Maine but in the broader healthcare community, Dr. Smith says, We are showing that making these sustainable choices is not only possible, but essential.