Mercy took top honors for the #1 Company in fundraising on Sunday – $15,812 – with donations still coming in.  Mercy was also recognized as a Gold Standard for Employee Wellness which was accepted by Dr. Craig Brett, and Cardiology’s Sara Laprade was the #1 individual fundraiser with $7,240.

Thank you to all Mercy employees and their families (and pets) who participated in the walk, as well as the countless number of employees who made a gift to the AHA.

EMS Week is May 19-25, 2013

During National Emergency Medical Services Week, we recognize the tremendous role that EMS practitioners make to improve health in communities across the nation. Emergency care professionals are committed to delivering emergency medical care in the community.  They strive for seamless care, from the field to the hospital emergency department or trauma center. Their commitment to ensuring that patients receive the best medical care available, anytime and anywhere, is instrumental to advancing the health, safety, and well-being of the American people. EMS is an essential part of building a resilient health care system that functions efficiently and effectively every day and is capable of responding to disasters and public health emergencies.

Thank you to all of the First Responders that provide the day-to-day lifesaving services of medicine’s “front line!”

 According to Melissa Skahan, Interim Vice President of Mission for Mercy, the fact that many of the McAuley program residents were side-tracked in their studies due to recovery issues or pregnancy, the “Education Opens Doors” fund will likely be well-utilized as the women prepare to re-enter the workforce.

 “The purpose of the McAuley Residence Program,” she explains, “is to help the women heal and to prepare them for a world and a life in which they are safe, secure and can support themselves and their children.  Having the necessary education and/or training to move forward is vital.  The Fairchild Fund will be well utilized, I can assure you.”

 The program is a perfect match for one of  Fairchild’s community goals, i.e., education.  “We supported the Mercy Best Shot for Youth program last year,” stated Paul Lones, a member of the Fairchild Community Relations Committee and the Mercy Board.  “We were pleased that our support helped underwrite a study center at Riverton and promoted other goals that were connected to academic achievement.  The McAuley Residence program is equally synergistic with our mission.”

McAuley Residence was started 25 years ago by the Sisters of Mercy and continues today at 68 High Street in Portland.  The program consists of 15 apartments and women are carefully screened for acceptance.  They are required to work as well as participate in a well-structured regimen of counseling, life skills, parenting and mentoring.

For more information about the McAuley Residence Program or the Fairchild”Education Opens Doors” Fund, call 879-3487 or go to www.mcauleyresidence.org.

Do you know a nurse?  Tell them how much you appreciate the work that they do every day!

This week is National Nurses Week!  It is celebrated annually from May 6 through May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing.  Often described as an art and a science, nursing is a profession that embraces dedicated people with varied interests, strengths and passions because of the many opportunities the profession offers.

Thank you to all of the nurses working throughout Mercy and VNA Home Health Hospice. You are the best!

The 2013 National Hospital Week is May 5-11, a celebration of the history, technology and dedicated professionals that make our hospitals exceptional places to receive care. National Hospital Week is a time to recognize hospital staff and promote hospitals’ mission of health and wellness.

Thank you to all of our staff and volunteers for making our hospital a great place to work and receive care!

May 19—Yarmouth Primary Care (TBD)                       

May 20—Fore River Family Practice (TBD)

May 21—Mercy Windham, Dr. Su-Anne Hammond 

May 22—Standish Family Practice, Dr. Russell Remalia

June 2—Mercy Westrbook, Dr. John Meserve

June 16—West Falmouth Family Practice, Dr. Patrick Pierre

 Cathy McDonald, RN, Mercy Breast Care Specialists of Maine, will present “Reach to Recovery Training” at the 2013 Living With Cancer Conference in Augusta on May 1.  This session is a training class for breast cancer survivors interested in becoming American Cancer Society Reach to Recovery visitors and a recertification class for volunteers.

Women and Breast Health
Because early detection does save lives!

If you are between the ages of 40 and 60 years of age, you will want to attend this FREE informational talk and dinner on Monday, May 20^th starting at 5:30 at the Mercy Fore River Cafe, 175 Fore River Parkway, Portland.  Call (207) 879-3486 today to reserve your seat!

When:  Sun, 19 May 2013 8:30:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Where:  AAA of Northern New England
68 Marginal Way
Portland, Maine, 04101
Link to Map

Did you know that cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of all Americans? In fact, someone dies from CVD every 39 seconds! Heart disease also kills more women than all forms of cancer combined.  And congenital cardiovascular defects are the most common cause of infant death from birth defects.  The Heart Walk offers something for everyone. Many participants walk to celebrate their efforts in making healthy lifestyle changes. Others walk in honor or memory of loves ones affected by heart disease or stroke, but everyone walks because their donations make a difference and save lives.
Click the following link to show support for one Mercy’s Heart Walk Teams:  http://heartwalk.kintera.org/faf/teams/groupTeamList.asp?ievent=1026992&lis=1&kntae1026992=25C466B890BE4954A21D4E8C70D8C13F&tlteams=5359001