Governor to Hold Second Town Hall in Bangor on Wednesday

March 3, 2015

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, March 03, 2015
Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, 207-287-2531

AUGUSTA – On Wednesday, Governor Paul R. LePage will visit Penobscot County for a town hall meeting to answer questions about his comprehensive tax reform and relief plan. This is the second town hall of seven to be held across the State.

Husson University at Gracie Theatre in Bangor will host the town hall from 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4, which is free and open to the public. Gracie Theatre is on the Husson University campus, 1 College Circle, Bangor.

Governor LePage and Jonathan LaBonte, director of the Office of Policy and Management, will participate in the meeting. Audience members will be encouraged to ask questions.

“I hope Mainers take the time to come to the town hall, ask questions and engage with us,” said Governor LePage. “The Maine people are realizing what our Administration is trying to achieve, and they are seeing results. My plan puts $300 million back into Mainers pockets, which will help us bring prosperity to our families and businesses across the State.”

There are five more town halls expected on the following dates (one more will be added in Southern Maine). More information regarding specific locations will be available in the coming days.

March 11: Lewiston
March 19: Presque Isle
April 16: Ellsworth
April 28: Belfast

The City of Westbrook hosted the Governor’s first town hall on February 11.

 

Athletic Trainers Integral Members of Health Care Team

Farmington¾

 

Immediately following a sports injury, certified athletic trainers (ATCs) are among those who can provide the most thorough injury assessment of what needs to happen next to reduce the long-term effects of an injury. What type of medical care is necessary? How soon can play or physical activities be resumed? What corrective techniques or exercises are best?

 

ATCs are unique health professionals who are experts in injury prevention, assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation, particularly in the orthopedic and musculoskeletal disciplines. They are often the first to respond to an injury.

 

This month, Franklin Memorial Hospital’s ATCs are celebrating National Athletic Training Month. They include Jeremy Starbird, ATC, and Dan Waterman, ATC.

 

“National Athletic Training Month was established so that we could do a better job of educating the public about our profession and our quality and level of care,” said Waterman. “We want people to know that athletic trainers are integral members of the medical or athletic health care team and work hand in hand with physicians and other health personnel.”

 

Waterman provides his expertise to athletes at Mt. Blue High School, while Starbird works with Mt. Abram and Spruce Mountain High Schools. Each provides game and practice coverage, which enables them to provide immediate medical attention when an athlete is injured, as well as a role in the rehabilitation and decision making associated with the athlete’s care. ATCs also provide guidance and assistance to coaches during preseason conditioning and throughout the season.

 

During the weekly Sports Medicine Clinic one of the athletic trainers is there along with Dr. Thomas Pulling and Heather Patterson, PT to round out the health care team that evaluates and treats high school, college, and recreational athletes. The clinic takes place every Tuesday morning starting at 8 a.m. at Franklin Health Orthopaedics.

 

During the course of a school year, Waterman and Starbird collectively provide about 1,300 treatments for athletes who have been injured or are experiencing pain. They manage the care of injuries such as ankle sprains, concussions, knee injuries, and fractures while coordinating treatments with the rest of the health care team (primary care physicians, emergency department providers, physical therapists, and specialists such as orthopaedic surgeons, podiatrists, chiropractors, and dieticians).

 

In closing, the ATCs said that injury rates could be reduced if athletes took appropriate preventative action, such as: wearing appropriate protective gear, equipment, and footwear; doing a proper warm up before exercise; and following a regular conditioning program during the off-season.

 

 Health Care Career Fair Taking Place March 19

Open to all interested community members

FARMINGTON, ME

 

As part of its Area Health Education Center (AHEC) initiative, Franklin Memorial Hospital (FMH) is hosting a Health Care Career Fair on Thursday, March 19, from 10 a.m.−2 p.m. in the Bass Room. Representatives from area colleges and universities will be available to speak with participants about educational opportunities.

 

The career fair is open to students of area high schools and adult education programs, local career centers, FMH employees, and other interested community members.

 

Representatives from Central Maine Community College (CMCC), University of Maine at Farmington (UMF), Kennebec Valley Community College (KVCC), University of Maine at Augusta (UMA), Kaplan University, St. Joseph’s College, Southern Maine Community College (SMCC), and Eastern Maine Community College (EMCC) will be in attendance.

 

For more information, contact: Nicole Caron, FMH Education Department intern at (207) 779-2381 ext. 2451 or ncaron@fchn.org.

 

Hospital Hosting End-of-Life Care Conference

Community members welcome to attend free of charge

Farmington¾

 

Franklin Memorial Hospital is hosting a conference titled End of Life Care: Having the Conversation on Wednesday, April 8, from 8:30 a.m.−3:30 p.m. in the Bass Room. The target audiences are health care providers, funeral directors, students, and community members.

 

Topics to be discussed include pain management, symptom management, family dynamics, and more. Presenters include: Pamela Brown, RN, CHPN, a certified hospice and palliative care nurse and HealthReach hospice educator; Larry Labul, DO, FACOI, SFHM, Franklin Memorial Hospital hospitalist board certified in hospice/palliative care; and James Schneid, MD, medical director of Hospice and Palliative Care at VA Maine Healthcare.

 

At 1 p.m. an hour-long documentary will be shown called Consider the Conversation: A Documentary on a Taboo Subject. This video explores commonly held beliefs and attitudes about death and encourages dialogue about death among patient and physician, husband and wife, and parent and child.

 

A panel discussion takes place from 2−3:30 p.m. featuring: Rhonda Wiles-Rosell, FSL, past president of Western Maine Palliative Care and Hospice Coalition; Shauna McElrath, DO, medical director of Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice; Kathy Amsden, MSW, Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice social worker; Ed David, Esq., past secretary Western Maine Palliative Care and Hospice Coalition; and James Schneid, MD, medical director of Hospice and Palliative Care at VA Maine Healthcare.

 

There is no fee for students and community members who may attend the entire session or just the afternoon session starting at 1 p.m. Tuition fee is $15 for those seeking CEUs (continuing education units are available for funeral directors, doctors, nurses, and case managers) and includes a complimentary lunch at noon.

 

For more information or to register, call the Education Department at 207-779-2451 or email ncaron@fchn.org. Space is limited.

 

CORRECTION: Department of Labor Offering Workplace Safety Classes in March

The March 26 class, Practical Approach to NFPA 70E, is updated with the correct course description. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 26, 2015 Media Contact: Julie Rabinowitz, 207-621-5009 (see below for class-registration contact) Space is available for the safety classes in Augusta, Bangor, Calais, Presque Isle, Springvale and Wilton AUGUSTA—The Maine Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Standards is hosting its no-charge safety courses for employers throughout March.   “Mainers and businesses want a safe work environment,” said Governor Paul R. Lepage. “Our SafetyWorks! program helps businesses avoid injuries, protect their workers and reduce injury-related costs like workers’ comp premiums and lost productivity. I encourage you to visit safetyworksmaine.com regularly for class listings, safety tips, and helpful information and resources.”  Courses are held at no charge to employers and their employees to ensure and promote safety in the workplace. The courses are held at the SafetyWorks! Training Institute at the Maine Department of Labor, 45 Commerce Drive in Augusta unless otherwise noted.  Silica Awareness – Protecting Workers from Silica: March 2, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. What do street sweeping, sandblasting, dry walling, cutting stone or brick and working in a dusty environment have in common? All expose workers to silica dust, which can lead to silicosis – an often fatal lung disease – and other serious illnesses. Exposure to silica dust is so common and dangerous that OSHA is considering strengthening its rules. Learn about the health hazards of silica, the OSHA regulations and how to protect workers from overexposure. Combustible Dust Safety Training: March 3, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. It is now well known that OSHA is focused on enforcing current recognized and generally accepted engineering practices for dust prevention. This course provides an overview of OSHA standards and the hazards associated with combustible dust generation in the workplace.  10-Hour General Industry Standards: March 4 and 5, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on day one and 8:30 a.m. to 12:30p.m. on day two This one-and-a-half day course offers basic information on a variety of general industry safety and health standards (29 CFR 1910). Attendees who complete the course will receive an OSHA 10-hour course completion certificate. Class runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on day one and 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on day two. Ladder Safety: March 6, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Wilton CareerCenter, 865 US Route 2E Ladders are a major source of injuries and fatalities in the workplace. However, falls can be reduced if people use caution when climbing ladders or when working in places where falls are a potential hazard. This course will show participants how falls from ladders can be prevented through education that includes planning for their use, inspecting the ladder prior to use and using basic ladder safeguards.  Forklift Operator Training: March 9, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This class is designed for new operators. The instruction will involve classroom and hands-on training. Training will include performing a forklift inspection and use of the department's "new forklift simulator." This training does not meet the requirements to qualify the participant to be a "qualified operator." Only the employer can provide such certification.  Mine Safety and Health Administration -- Refresher: March 10, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) requires all surface mining (ex: stone crushing, gravel pit, etc.) employees to receive eight-hour annual training. This one-day course will cover generic MSHA training. However,site-specific training will also need to be conducted once you return to your respective job sites. Accident Investigation/Injury Analysis: March 13, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Presque Isle CareerCenter, 66 Spruce Street, Suite 1 When work doesn't go as planned, accidents and near-misses happen. Investigating these incidents can prevent similar or even more serious problems from happening. Learn how to conduct a thorough accident/incident investigation and how to use your results to prevent future accidents. 30-Hour Construction Standards: March 16 through 20, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This five-day course introduces attendees new to construction safety and health to the OSHA standards (29 CFR 1926). Attendees who complete all five days will receive OSHA 30-hour construction course certificates. 10-Hour Construction Standards: March 23 and 24, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on day one and 8:30 a.m. to 12:30p.m. on day two, York County CareerCenter, 9 Bodwell Court, Springvale  This one-and-a-half day course gives basic information on several of the OSHA standards for construction (29 CFR 1926). Attendees who complete the course will receive an OSHA 10-hour course completion certificate.  OSHA Recordkeeping: March 26, 8;30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This class provides thorough and comprehensive six-hour training for both new and experienced safety and human resources personnel. You will learn the OSHA rule (29 CFR 1904) regarding recording and reporting work-related injuries and illnesses as it applies to your organization. This class includes several hands-on activities on how to correctly fill out the required injury reporting forms. This class will include updates to the OSHA Recordkeeping Standard (29 CFR 1904) which went into effect January 1, 2015.  Practical Approach to NFPA 70E (National Fire Protection Association): March 26, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Bangor CareerCenter, 45 Oak Street, Bangor In this class, you will learn how to protect workers from electrical hazards. NFPA 70E requirements will be discussed in layman’s terms.  Mine Safety and Health Administration: Refresher: March 31, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Washington County Community College, Calais The Mine Safety and Health Administration: (MSHA) requires all surface mining (ex: stone crushing, gravel pit, etc.) employees to receive eight-hour annual training. This one-day course will cover generic MSHA training. However,site-specific training will also need to be conducted once you return to your respective job sites.  Employers interested in registering can learn more and register at http://www.safetyworksmaine.com and clicking "More Classes" from the homepage. Space is limited so reservations are required. SafetyWorks! is not OSHA and cannot issue fines or citations to private businesses. While SafetyWorks! helps businesses of any size, priority is given to small businesses. The program trains about 8,000 people and consults at nearly 1,000 worksites in Maine each year. Employers interested in learning more about the consulting and training services offered by SafetyWorks! should call 1-877-SAFE 345 (1-877-723-3345) or visit http://www.safetyworksmaine.com . The Bureau of Labor Standards is Maine’s regulatory agency overseeing labor and employment law and workplace safety; it provides both consultation and enforcement services. The division promotes and achieves compliance with labor standards to protect and enhance the welfare of Maine’s workforce.

 

Governor LePage Says GA Billing Demands Local Spending Reforms

February 27, 2015

For Immediate Release: Friday, February 27, 2015
Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, 207-287-2531

Governor’s tax plan gives money directly to taxpayers, not municipalities

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage said Friday that revelations about Portland’s General Assistance (GA) welfare program stand as an example of the kind of overspending that often occurs at the municipal level.

A Department of Health and Human Services review of Portland’s GA welfare program has indicated numerous violations of law and rule that could explain the fact that the city spends 63 percent of all state GA dollars, despite accounting for only five percent of the state’s population.

The review found that the city is billing the GA program for all shelter stayers without determining their GA eligibility at all. Initial findings show that the city knew 13 long-term stayers at Portland’s homeless shelter had bank accounts valued in excess of $20,000 yet the city billed the state’s GA program for the stays anyway.

The 13 individuals had an average of $48,225 in their accounts and had stayed at the shelter for an average of 1,392 nights, which is about three years and 10 months. The top stayer had $92,424 in the bank and had stayed at the shelter for more than 10 years.

“My quarrel is not with the people who stayed at the shelter,” said Governor LePage. “Mental illness often plays a role there. It’s a matter of who pays. The City of Portland knew these people had this money in the bank, but they decided to bill the taxpayers anyway for years’ worth of welfare reimbursement. Municipalities complain about losing revenue sharing, but then I see abuse like this. When municipalities set priorities that unfairly burden Maine property taxpayers, it’s hard to have sympathy for them.”

Portland is not the only city that spends more than its fair share of General Assistance welfare dollars. For example, the City of Augusta in 2014 spent 350 percent more than its similarly sized neighbor of Waterville.

“Tax relief should go directly to the property taxpayer, not to fund more government,” said Governor LePage. “That’s why my tax reform plan gives money directly to the Maine people by tripling property tax fairness credits, doubling the homestead exemption for those over 65 and significantly lowering income tax rates. The most recent news out of Portland shouldn’t surprise anyone, but it serves as an example of why Maine needs real tax reform.”

 

Franklin Memorial Hospital Adds Cardiac Device Clinic in Partnership with MaineHealth Cardiology

Treats those with cardiac pacemakers and internal cardiac defibrillators

FARMINGTON, MAINE¾

 

The electrophysiology coordinator team from Maine Medical Partners MaineHealth Cardiology will be offering bimonthly cardiac device clinics at Franklin Memorial Hospital, beginning April 1 in the hospital’s second floor cardiology clinic. Services will continue to be offered on the first Wednesday of every other month for 2015: June 3, Aug. 5, Oct. 7, and Dec. 2.

 

The team members are: Lisa Velas, LPN, CCDS; Amanda Bean, BS; CCT; Ian Oliver, BS; Amanda Smith, BS; Edmund Presby, AS, RCIS, and Fay Saxby, BS., who will all be rotating into providing the service. All are proficient in testing and programming pacemakers and implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICDs). Pacemakers are cardiac devices that stimulate heart contraction; ICDs are devices that attempt to restore normal heart rhythms. Patients use these devices to treat a wide variety of heart rhythm problems.

 

These electrophysiology technicians work in conjunction with cardiologists to provide proper device management and optimal function. Both in office and remote evaluation appointments are performed on a routine basis depending on the device type and patient follow-up needs.

 

To schedule an appointment, call Outpatient Services at 779-3120.

 

Governor to Introduce Bill Addressing Attorney General’s Overreach of Authority

February 26, 2015

For Immediate Release: Thursday, February 26, 2015
Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, 207-287-2531

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage today announced he is introducing legislation to prevent the Attorney General’s overreaching of authority.

The Governor’s proposed bill clarifies and restricts the scope of the Attorney General’s authority as it pertains to the receipt and spending of public dollars. Governor LePage initiated the bill as a result of Attorney General Janet Mills taking unilateral action after the State of Maine received a $21.5 million settlement.

In a letter to Legislative leadership, Governor LePage cites McGraw-Hill and Standard & Poor’s litigation in which an agreement of the settlement allocates to the State of Maine $21.5 million – “the largest ever one-time settlement in Maine history,” according to the Attorney General.

The settlement stipulates the amounts allocated to the State are to “be used or expended in any way permitted by applicable state law at each State’s sole discretion.” Instead, Attorney General Mills has reserved to herself “sole discretion” over how the money would be used within a list of specified purposes related to consumer protection, the Governor explains in the letter.

“She does not have the authority to take settlement proceeds on behalf of the state and unilaterally make policy decisions about how that money should be spent,” the Governor wrote to legislative leaders. “Not only does her action overstep her authority, but it is also repugnant to the constitution. As you well know, the constitution clearly asserts that the power to appropriate revenue is held exclusively by the Legislature and checked by the Executive.”

 

Maine State Housing Authority Best Resource for Focus on Critical Senior Housing Needs

February 26, 2015

For Immediate Release: Thursday, February 26, 2015
Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, 207-287-2531

Augusta - Governor Paul R. LePage today once again addressed the issue of affordable senior housing, emphasizing it is best addressed by refocusing existing resources within the State rather than taking out more loans at the expense of all Maine taxpayers.

On Thursday, a news conference held by the Maine Affordable Housing Coalition supported a proposed $65 million general obligation bond for senior housing. While an admirable goal, the Governor says there is a more appropriate and fiscally responsible approach currently available for senior housing.

“By using general obligation bonds for senior housing we are placing the State in deeper debt and putting additional burden on the backs of Maine taxpayers,” said Governor LePage. “The Maine State Housing Authority has the ability to issue bonds to finance affordable senior housing under its current authority. I support the balanced approach they are taking already with the resources they have."

Governor LePage stressed his strong and continued support for Maine's senior citizens, but expressed concerns about some of the details in the proposed $65 million bond. Those concerns include trying to build 1,000 new units and putting developments in every county, something that may not be financially viable. He also raised a concern that the proposal may not serve the state's neediest senior citizens. "MaineHousing already is creating 250 - 300 new apartments each and every year. About half of them are for seniors and the rest are for other needy Mainers. They are trying to balance competing needs," said Governor LePage.

The Governor also commented on a recent study that determined there is a need for 9,000 affordable senior apartments. "If you look at the study you find that they define elderly as just 55 years of age. That inflates the number of units need – it would be a bit smaller if they used a more realistic age such as 65."

The Governor noted that in addition to allocating federal tax credits, MaineHousing is authorized to sell private activity bonds and other bonds and has subsidy resources available. "I’ve urged MaineHousing to continue to use these resources to their fullest to meet the needs of our vulnerable elderly population."

 

 

Job Fair in Lewiston on March 2 at the CareerCenter

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 26, 2015 Contact: Mary LaFontaine, Lewiston CareerCenter, 753-9094 Media Contanct: Julie Rabinowitz, Department of Labor, 621-5009 At least 18 employers are hiring for a variety of positions LEWISTON—The Lewiston CareerCenter is hosting a Job Fair on Monday, March 2 from 4 to 6 p.m. at its building on 5 Mollison Way, Lewiston. All employers will be hiring. "I encourage employers to use our CareerCenters to recruit employees, especially at our job fairs," said Governor Paul R. LePage. "For job seekers, CareerCenter workshops, job fairs and training programs can help put Mainers back to work or find new careers. I encourage you to visit mainecareercenter.com and their monthly, local job fairs." Employers participating in the job fair include: Bank of America Carbonite Clover Health Care Expert Staffing of Maine Lepage Bakeries Lewiston Police Department Maine Department of Corrections MAS Home Care of Maine Oxford Casino Quality Traffic Control Rose's Commercial Cleaners Schooner Estates Securitas Stericycle Communications Support Solutions Ted Berry Company The Home Depot Tri-County Mental Health Services And more. Attendees should bring a resume and be prepared to have an “interview-like” conversation with employers to discuss skills, knowledge areas and abilities. Job seekers should also be dressed for an interview.  CareerCenters, part of the Maine Department of Labor, offer a variety of workshops and services to help people find employment or upgrade skills. Each center provides several public-access computer workstations with Microsoft Office software, resume writing and cover letter software, Internet access and O’Net software for skills assessment. All CareerCenter services are free of charge. Call 753-9005 (TTY users call Maine Relay 711) for additional information and to register for workshops held at the CareerCenter. The CareerCenter, located at 5 Mollison Way in Lewiston, is open 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. You can also find more information at the CareerCenter website, www.mainecareercenter.com . Maine CareerCenters are an equal opportunity provider. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.