At the annual meeting of the Boothbay Region District Nursing Association (BRDNA) on September 18, the board of directors honored Bonnie Lewis for her service with thanks and by presenting her with a plant. Lewis has represented the town of Boothbay on this board for 24 years, including serving as president for several of those years.

Elected to fill her position is Pat Yetman, who joins Angel Davis in representing Boothbay, Susan Shields and Victoria Reinecke representing Boothbay Harbor, and Susan Endicott representing Southport. Officers are Leigh Sherrill, president; Jane Gardner, vice-president; Kathy Bugbee, secretary; and Carol Ostermann, treasurer.

The BRDNA is a 501 (c) (3) organization chartered in 1952 to provide in-home nursing services and to help raise the standards of community health by giving emphasis to prevention of disease. Over the years it has evolved to serve mostly older persons who otherwise might have to leave their homes to seek care elsewhere.

A modest fee, $10, is asked for each visit, but primary funding comes from the three towns served, grants, and a community fund drive currently underway. The association receives no money from Medicare, Maine Care, or private insurance.

Some of the services the District Nurse provides include: prepouring medications or prefilling insulin syringes, drawing blood for doctor ordered lab-work, teaching healthcare procedures, monitoring ongoing health problems, and identifying new health problems as they occur.

The District Nurse works closely with the patient’s own physician to plan and provide the best possible care. The nurse can make one home visit from any referral, but continued services require written orders from a physician or practitioner. To contact the District Nurse, call 207-633-5533.