Boothbay Region Health Center had an informational update at a dinner Tuesday, Sept. 17.

Dinner for the more than 60 guests at the Boothbay fire station included fish chowder, quiches, lasagna, macaroni and cheese, balsamic salmon, vegetables and desserts. 

BRHC president Patty Seybold explained, the purpose of the evening was to get everyone together to thank them for supporting the organization’s goals. These, she explained, are “affordable, accessible primary healthcare here on the peninsula.”

The offices at the Meadow Mall have been open seven days a week during the summer months but will be closed on Sundays after Columbus Day. Seybold reminded attendees that the health center provides transportation to and from its offices for those not able to drive and, in some instances, center personnel will make house calls.

Seybold reviewed the organization’s progress: The number of patients has more than doubled since the center opened in January 2018. In addition, the center has experts in tick-borne disease, resulting in 30 calls every day and in diagnosing and treating more than 200 people each month. Of those who had Lyme disease, Seybold reported, half also had other infections.    

Former health coordinator Robyn Ham has recently been appointed clinical care manager and will focus on recruiting more staff, increasing reimbursement through medical insurance, working with electronic medical records, getting the patient portal up and running, and seeking funding for a new phone system to reduce hold and wait times.

Brett Auclaire, RN, CFNP, reported the center has treated 250 patients in the past 18 months for pain relief; patients reported chronic pain was relieved within two to three visits.

A flyer was distributed listing potential activities for volunteers. These included use of social media, proposing informational and fundraising events and helping with small “facilities” jobs at the center. Seybold asked attendees to review the list and help the center by choosing one item. “It’s not a huge commitment,” she told the guests.

Copies of the list can be obtained at the health center.