Central Maine Healthcare

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.

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

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

Central Maine Healthcare has announced it will host a “Walk-in Wednesday” hiring event on April 15. This will be the first in a series of these availabilities that will be held monthly. The next one after the April 15 event will be on May 20.

Applicants will be able to meet hiring leaders from within the healthcare system and, in many cases, take advantage of same-day interviews. Applicants are asked to bring their resumes.

Central Maine Healthcare, which includes CMMC, Rumford Hospital, Bridgton Hospital and numerous practices throughout central Maine, is currently hiring registered nurses, licensed practical nurses (LPNs), imaging professionals, respiratory therapists and many other non-clinical positions.

Benefits include tuition reimbursement, medical, dental, vision, 401(k), continuing education and bonuses of up to $15,000 for select positions.

“Walk-in Wednesday is a great opportunity to learn more about careers at Central Maine Healthcare and meet directly with members of our hiring team,” said Tricia Carr, director of human resources at Central Maine Healthcare. “Whether someone is just starting out in healthcare or looking to take the next step in their career, we encourage them to stop by, ask questions and explore the many ways they can make a difference for patients and families across our region.”

Walk-in Wednesday will be held on April 15 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Participants should go to the main entrance of CMMC at 60 High Street.

For a list of current job opportunities, please visit our careers page.

Central Maine Healthcare recently held a graduation ceremony for its latest class of certified nursing assistants (CNAs).All eight graduates successfully passed the healthcare system’s Earn to Learn CNA training program.

The course is an intensive, eight-week, state-approved training that’s free to students and combines classroom learning, hands-on skills labs and real-world clinical experience.

CNAs play a vital role in patient care, often being the first and last person a patient interacts with during their visit. 

“I’m proud to announce all eight of our graduates have also passed the state of Maine CNA exam and have been offered jobs at Central Maine Healthcare,” said Christine Gervais, clinical education instructor at Central Maine Healthcare. “They should all be very proud of what they’ve achieved and the difference they will make in the lives of others.”

Those interested in registering for the next CNA Earn to Learn class, which begins on June 16, 2026,  can email Christine Gervais at gervaich@cmhc.org.

The graduates are (back row, left to right): Dedra Forsythe, Gloriana Emmons, Qwyne Tchiputo, Ciara Norton

(Front row): Albertina Fortes, Success Juwah, Christine Gervais (instructor), Nicole Mihayo, Nsenga Ngoie.

Central Maine Healthcare has namedMarlon Margarejo, MSN, RN, as chief nursing officer (CNO) for Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC). He brings more than a decade of healthcare leadership experience that includes value-based care, acute care operations and nursing.

Most recently, he served as vice president of clinical operations at Cano Health in Miami, where he oversaw care management, quality, home-based services, rehabilitation programs and multidisciplinary clinical teams, serving more than 50,000 members across more than 60 medical centers.

Throughout his career, Margarejo has led measurable improvements in clinical quality, patient safety, operational efficiency, care transitions and nurse leadership development.

He earned his Master of Science in Nursing, Health Care Administration, from South University and his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Miami Dade College.

“I was drawn to Central Maine Healthcare because of its strong commitment to community-centered care and the opportunity to elevate nursing practice across the organization,” Margarejo said. “From day one, I’ve been incredibly impressed by the dedication of the teams and the collaborative spirit among leadership. It’s clear this is an organization with both heart and momentum. 

“I’m focused on empowering our teams through education, innovation and accountability while driving measurable outcomes across patient care and staff engagement. Ultimately, I want every patient and team member to feel the impact of exceptional, compassionate care.” 

Central Maine Healthcare, in conjunction with the American Red Cross, will hold a quarterly Commemorative Blood Drive on Monday, April 13. The Commemorative Blood Drives were established following the Oct. 25, 2023, tragedy as a way to honor the lives of those who were affected. 

The April 13 blood drive will take place on the lower level of 12 High Street at CMMC in the Multipurpose Room from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

“We encourage everyone who is able to consider giving blood,” said Amanda Bellefleur, organizer of the event. “Just one donation can help save multiple lives. It’s a simple act that makes a profound difference for patients in our community who rely on a steady, reliable blood supply.”

Please click here to participate in this blood drive. 

For more information, please contact Amanda Bellefleur at amanda.bellefleur@cmhc.org.