Letter to the Editor

Thanks for your support, Mike

Tue, 04/23/2019 - 3:15pm

Thanks for your support, Mike.

Dear Editor:

There has been a lot of talk about the need for economic development in our region. Developing new businesses that provide good year round jobs is the key to attracting young people to stay or return.

In 2014 a group of local residents formed the not-for-profit, Boothbay Region Health Care, Inc. (BRHC) with the goal of expanding the availability of affordable health care in our community. From 2014 to the end of 2017, BRHC board members met with people in the region to make the case for creating a community- owned health center and to raise the funds needed to reach this vision.

The Boothbay Region Health Center opened its doors in January 2018 and has grown to currently employ more than 10 people and serve more than 1,300 patients. These are good year-round jobs providing much needed affordable health care to the community. The all volunteer board of directors is made up entirely of patients and local residents. The Health Center is continually working towards further expansion, adding additional programs and services to meet local needs.

This is an example of the type of economic development that should be encouraged and supported.

The Health Center must rely on some community support due to the complicated health care system and relatively low reimbursement rates from insurers for primary care. On Thursday, April 18 at the Tugboat restaurant, the Health Center held its second annual “Cure Your Spring Fever” fundraising event. Thank you to Mike Tomko of the Boothbay Harbor Select Board for attending the event and showing his support for the Health Center.

Mike not only talks the talk when it comes to economic development in the region, he walks the walk. Mike Tomko is running for re-election to his position on the Boothbay Harbor Select Board on May 3.

He has our vote and we hope he has yours.

Liz and Rob Lussier

Boothbay Harbor