Central Maine Healthcare

Where You are the Center

Jim Cyr

Commemorative Blood Drive set for July 20 at CMMC

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Central Maine Healthcare, in conjunction with the American Red Cross, will hold a Commemorative Blood Drive on Monday, July 20.These quarterly blood drives were established following the Oct. 25, 2023 tragedy as a way of honoring the lives of those affected. 

The blood drive will take place on the lower level of 12 High Street at CMMC in Conference Room ABC from 10 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Power reds and whole blood appointments are available.

Please click here to participate in this blood drive. 

For more information, please contact Amanda Bellefleur via email at abellefleur@primehealthcare.com.

Bridgton Hospital Emergency Department nurse recipient of DAISY Award

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Matt Holzinger, RN, an Emergency Department nurse at Bridgton Hospital, was recently presented with a DAISY Award for the exceptional care, compassion and reassurance he provided to a patient and family during a medical emergency.

The DAISY Award is an international program that recognizes nurses for their compassionate care and the difference they make in patients’ lives. Patients, their families, visitors, physicians and other staff can nominate a nurse for the award.

After a teenager was transported to Bridgton Hospital’s Emergency Department following a seizure-like event, Matt helped ensure he received prompt, attentive care. Family members described Matt as a calming and reassuring presence during an understandably frightening experience. His compassionate demeanor, clear communication and willingness to thoroughly answer questions helped ease their anxiety and build confidence in the care being provided.

The family also praised Matt’s warm personality, sense of humor and professionalism, noting that he balanced clinical expertise with genuine kindness.

Matt’s dedication to keeping the family informed and supported left a lasting impression during a time of uncertainty,” said Stephany Jacques, president of Bridgton Hospital. “Through his exceptional nursing care, empathy and commitment to patient- and family-centered care, Matt exemplifies the values of the DAISY Award.”

Rumford Hospital Emergency Department earns Gold for stroke care

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For the second straight year, Rumford Hospital’s Emergency Department has received the American Heart Association’s Get with the Guidelines Stroke Rural Recognition Gold Award. 

The ED was once again recognized for its efforts to optimize stroke care and reduce gaps in rural healthcare outcomes. Performance metrics include intravenous thrombolytic therapy, timely hospital inter-facility transfer, dysphagia screening, symptom timeline and deficit assessment documentation, emergency medical services communication, brain imaging and stroke expert consultation.

People who live in rural areas have a 40% higher likelihood of developing heart disease and face a 30% increased risk for stroke mortality, according to an American Heart Association’s presidential advisory on rural health. The award confirms that Rumford Hospital is committed to changing that.

“We are incredibly proud that our team at the Rumford Hospital ED is being recognized for the important work they do every day to improve the lives of people in the River Valley who are affected by stroke, giving them the best possible chance of recovery and survival,” said Stephany Jacques, president of Rumford Hospital. “I’m proud of our team’s commitment to stroke care excellence and of this achievement.”

Bridgton Hospital nursing supervisor recipient of DAISY Award

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Central Maine Healthcare would like to congratulate Brian Labrecque, RN, nursing supervisor at Bridgton Hospital, for being the recipient of the DAISY Award.

The DAISY Award is an international program that recognizes nurses for their compassionate care and the difference they make in patients’ lives. Patients, their families, visitors, physicians and other staff can nominate a nurse for the

award.

Brian was nominated by several of his colleagues who praised his exceptional teamwork, compassionate leadership and unwavering dedication to both patients and staff.

His nominators highlighted Brian’s willingness to step in wherever needed—from assisting with patient care and supporting nurses to educating patients, families and staff. They described him as a leader who treats everyone with respect, fosters a positive and inclusive work environment and consistently goes above and beyond to ensure both patients and colleagues feel supported.

“Whether helping a patient achieve a personal goal, mentoring staff through challenges or keeping operations running smoothly during short-staffed weekends, Brian leads by example with kindness, professionalism and empathy,” said Stephany Jacques, president of Bridgton Hospital. “His positive impact on patient care and team morale makes him a truly deserving recipient of the DAISY Award.”

Bridgton Hospital honors Randy Morrissette with Winnie Moore Award for clinical nursing excellence

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Bridgton Hospital is proud to announce Randy Morrissette, RN, has been selected as the recipient of the Winnie Moore Award which recognizes outstanding clinical nursing excellence.

The Winnie Moore Award honors a single Bridgton Hospital nurse whose dedication, professionalism and commitment to patient care exemplies the highest standards of nursing practice.

The award is named in honor of Winnie Moore, who devoted most of her nursing career to serving the Bridgton community. Moore worked as a nurse at Northern Cumberland Memorial Hospital, which later became Bridgton Hospital, and served as the hospital’s director of nursing for 29 years. She also contributed her leadership and expertise as a member of the hospital’s board of directors.

Morrissette was selected for his exceptional commitment to patients, colleagues and the broader Lakes Region community. He consistently demonstrates the qualities that define outstanding nursing leadership: compassion, dedication, teamwork and a willingness to go above and beyond to support those around him.

Known for his strong work ethic and commitment to supporting his team, Morrissette frequently volunteers to work additional shifts and routinely rounds on nursing staff throughout the night, offering guidance, encouragement and assistance whenever needed. His visible presence and hands-on approach foster a culture of trust, collaboration and mutual support, ensuring staff members know they can rely on his expertise regardless of the challenges they face during their shifts.

“Randy exemplifies the very best of nursing excellence and leadership,” said Stephany Jacques, president of Bridgton Hospital. “His unwavering commitment to providing exceptional patient care, supporting his colleagues and strengthening our culture of teamwork makes him truly deserving of the Winnie Moore Award. Randy leads by example every day through his compassion, professionalism and dedication to serving our community.”

Central Maine Healthcare names new chief nursing officer

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Kari Paradis, RN, has accepted the role of chief nursing officer (CNO) for Central Maine Healthcare. Kari has been serving as interim CNO since March.

Kari has been with Central Maine Healthcare for 21 years, both as a nurse and nurse leader. In 2024, she was named vice president of nursing and patient care at Bridgton Hospital and earlier this year became vice president of nursing at Rumford Hospital, as well.

“Kari brings to this role extensive clinical leadership experience, a deep commitment to patient-centered care and a strong passion for supporting our nursing teams and caregivers across the healthcare system,” said Allen Stefanek, president and CEO of Central Maine Healthcare. “Her experience and deep ties to the community will be a tremendous benefit to our patients and staff.”

In addition to her many leadership roles, Kari has been the recipient of both DAISY and SuperSTAR awards, recognition for her compassionate care of patients, as well as being a role model for all staff.

Central Maine Healthcare welcomes nurse practitioner

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LEWISTON, Maine (May 8, 2026) Central Maine Healthcare is pleased to announce the arrival of nurse practitioner Aimee McKeen, AGACNP-BC.

Aimee will be working with patients at Bridgton Hospital General Surgery, Central Maine Surgical Associates and Rumford Surgical Associates.

A Maine native, Aimee earned a Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization as an adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner at the University of Maine, Fort Kent. She worked as a registered nurse at Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC) before earning her masters. She also served as a travelling nurse.

Aimee says her primary interests are in acute care for the adult and geriatric population and working with the general surgery team.

“I believe in promoting preventative wellness, ensuring equitable access to care and delivering thoughtful, high-quality treatment that respects each patient’s dignity and individual needs,” she said. “I connect best with patients by taking the time to truly listen and understand their concerns without judgment. I believe in working together to develop a plan that aligns with their goals, ensuring they feel involved, informed and confident in their care.”

About Central Maine Healthcare:

Central Maine Healthcare, a member of Prime Healthcare Foundation, is an integrated healthcare delivery system serving 400,000 people living in central, western and Midcoast Maine, with more than 600 physicians and advanced practice professionals in more than 40 locations. CMH’s hospital facilities include Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston, a 250-bed, not-for-profit Maine Trauma System hospital. CMMC is also the central Maine base for LifeFlight of Maine, the state’s only medical helicopter. The health system includes Bridgton Hospital and Rumford Hospital, two not-for-profit 25-bed critical access hospitals that care for rural communities. Bridgton Hospital serves the people of the Lakes Region of western Maine and Rumford Hospital offers inpatient and outpatient services to Maine’s River Valley community. To learn more, please visit www.cmhc.org.

CMH also includes two long-term care communities. Bolster Heights is an 84-bed assisted living facility located in the Lewiston-Auburn area, and Rumford Community Home is an 85-bed, active-living community in Rumford, Maine, offering residential care, secure dementia care, skilled rehabilitation, and long-term care nursing services.

CMH is home to Maine’s first nursing and medical imaging programs, Maine College of Health Professions, a private, not-for-profit institution of higher education, accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

CMMC Security Helps Mom Get Ducks in a Row

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While Central Maine Healthcare usually exclusively treats humans, there was an exception last week.

Passersby near CMMC’s main entrance saw a mother duck in distress, and when members of the security team came to check it out, they discovered a dozen of the duck’s chicks had gotten stuck in a storm drain. They made their best effort to get them out before calling the Lewiston Water and Sewer Division in for an assist. Workers from that department removed the drain covering and used a net to free most of the wayward ducklings.

A handful of them that were out of reach were rescued by a CMH security employee who partially climbed into the drain to free them.

“Thankfully public works was able to rescue most of the ducklings, but some began to waddle away further down the drain,” said Mason Arneault,” security officer at CMMC. “Joe Francoeur, being the selfless hero he always is, took off his vest right away and lowered himself into the drain to rescue the remaining four or five ducklings. I was then able to reunite the ducklings with their mother. It was amazing to see how much that mother duck cared for her ducklings.”

Molly Lovell, marketing and philanthropy specialist at Central Maine Healthcare, also helped free the remaining babies. “Everyone who saw our security team rescuing the ducklings was moved by the effort, including me. What a way to start a Monday morning,” she said.

Once reunited, mom and her babies waddled off to begin their next adventure.

Central Maine Healthcare thanks those who donate their time and talent on National Volunteer Appreciation Week

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During National Volunteer Appreciation Week, Central Maine Healthcare celebrated the many contributions its volunteers make to the healthcare system with special luncheons in their honor.

The events were held at Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC) and at Rumford Hospital.

Central Maine Healthcare volunteers generously give their time and talent across patient support, hospitality services, front-desk assistance and countless behind-the-scenes efforts that help our hospitals run smoothly and compassionately every day.

Janet Nelson, who volunteers at CMMC, said she volunteers, “Because I used to work here. I like the environment. I’m happy to be back in socializing with different people. It gives me a chance to get out and give something back to the community and to this hospital.”

Kara Johnson, senior vice president of Business and Community Development for Central Maine Healthcare and leader of the volunteer program, said, “We are profoundly thankful for the dedication and heart our volunteers bring to this community. We look forward to continuing this important partnership together.”

“I want you to know how much your presence means to our patients and our staff,” Stephany Jacques, president of Rumford Hospital and Bridgton Hospital told the volunteers. “Whether you’re greeting patients, delivering a meal or offering a comforting smile, your warmth lifts spirits and eases days. You are part of our hospital family.”

Rumford Hospital President Stephany Jacques with Rumford Hospital volunteer Laurie Crane

CMMC expands robotic surgery with treatment for enlarged prostate

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Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC)today announced it is the first healthcare system in central Maine to offer Aquablation® therapy for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Central Maine Healthcare, which owns CMMC, is shining the spotlight on this advanced, minimally invasive robotic-assisted procedure that uses the power of water to remove obstructive prostate tissue and provide clinically proven, long-lasting BPH symptom relief while preserving sexual function and continence across all shapes and sizes.

BPH is a condition in which the prostate gland enlarges, leading to various urinary symptoms. Without timely treatment, BPH can lead to severe health issues such as permanent bladder or kidney damage, bladder stones and incontinence. Common symptoms of BPH include frequent need to urinate, especially at night, difficulty starting urination, a weak or interrupted urine stream, the inability to completely empty the bladder and dribbling at the end of urination. BPH is a highly prevalent condition, particularly affecting older men. BPH affects one out of every two males between the ages of 51 and 60 and an overwhelming 99% of men with BPH report that the condition negatively impacts their overall quality of life.

Aquablation therapy is the first and only ultrasound guided, robotic-assisted, heat-free waterjet for the treatment of BPH. The system’s real-time ultrasound imaging provides the surgeon with a multi-dimensional view of the prostate enabling personalized treatment planning tailored to each patient’s unique anatomy. The surgeon can specify which areas of the prostate to remove while preserving the anatomy that controls erectile function, ejaculatory function and continence. Once the treatment plan is mapped by the surgeon, the predictable robotic-assisted execution enables prostate tissue to be removed in a precise, targeted and controlled fashion.

“We are proud to be among the first in Maine to offer a solution for men with BPH that provides significant, long-lasting symptom relief with minimal risk to their sexual function or continence compared to other surgical treatment options,” said Christopher Foote, DO, a urologist at CMMC.

“We are focusing on men’s health and Aquablation therapy, addressing the need to deliver durable outcomes that are safe, effective and consistent across all prostate sizes and shapes,” Evan Dunn, MD, head of the urology service line at Central Maine Healthcare. “Aquablation therapy is the next step to furthering our commitment to provide advanced urological care to the people of central Maine. 

Central Maine Healthcare currently performs about 600 robotic specialty procedures annually. Other robotic procedures are used for spine navigation, hip and knee replacement, urologic surgery and others.

Those interested in scheduling an appointment to see if they are good candidates for Aquablation should call (207)795-2171.

Please visit the Central Maine Healthcare website for more information on Aquablation therapy.

Pictured: Christopher Foote, DO, works with Aquablation therapy equipment; Christopher Foote, DO (left) and Evan Dunn, MD