Dear Editor:

I would like to give my sincere thanks to the St. Andrews Free Bed Fund for all the help they have given me and others over the years.

Medical bills can be overwhelming on many different levels, not just financially. But having a local organization that wants to help has made all the difference.

I would like to point out a few facts about the wonderful organization:

First, Lincoln County Healthcare has nothing to do with running this fund. Unlike our local hospital, the Free Bed Fund is run locally for the benefit of local people.

Second, the application process is simple. It is a one-page form that can be obtained at J. Edward Knight Insurance.

Note: I am aware that those who asked for the simple one-page Free Bed Fund request form from LCH this spring were handed several pages to fill out and asked to provide detailed financial information and tax returns like it was a mortgage application. Talk about overwhelming! Some of those people were so discourgaged that they ended up not applying for any help at all.

Third, the Free Bed Fund looks to see that you are making an honest effort to regularly pay something toward your medical bills.

Please keep the St. Andrews Free Bed Fund in mind as we go foward into uncharted healthcare territory in our region.

Robin Brewer
Boothbay Harbor