Simone Babineaux has worked in public health in Los Angeles, was a staff nurse at a medical clinic in Moscow, Russia, and was a first responder during Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. Now, she has joined the Mission as the Sunbeam nurse to provide care on Maine’s outer islands and help connect island residents with doctors and specialists.
“Simone is a welcome addition to the Mission and the Sunbeam,” says Mission President John Zavodny. “I am confident that Simone’s unique personal and professional history has prepared her well to work within our island communities.”
As a member of the Island Services team, Simone will operate the telehealth program and make home visits. She will also provide direct care including flu and Covid shot clinics and wellness visits. Simone also facilitates the island elder care network. The eldercare network offers support, education opportunities, and connections for healthcare workers and others who are helping islanders age-in-place.
“This is the opportunity of a lifetime. To provide health care as a part of an institution so steeped in island community and history is a dream come true,” Simone says. “I couldn’t be more thrilled to join the Mission in its work on unbridged, outer islands and with health partners across the state.”
Babineaux has been a registered nurse and family nurse practitioner for more than 25 years. Most recently she provided home health assessments with individuals with multiple complex health care needs.
“Simone has an incredible track record in her professional work,” says Director of Island Services Douglas Cornman. “It’s obvious that she really cares about people and is looking forward to getting to know islanders. It’s a bonus that she is comfortable with boats and being on the water. She is going to make a great addition to the Sunbeam’s crew.”
Learn more about the health services the Mission provides through the Island Health program and the work of the Sunbeam.