BAR HARBOR, ME — Island Health Director Sharon Daley’s photo taken last week at sunrise on Matinicus Isle gives us an idea of life on a Maine island 20 miles from the mainland.
For island residents, even accessing basic health care is challenging. Some islands have no daily ferry service. Trips to the mainland, when possible, are expensive and time consuming.
The Island Health program is part of the Mission’s focus for 2017’s #GivingTuesday on Nov. 28th. Learn more: https://seacoastmission.org/givingtuesday/
Maine Seacoast Mission plays a vital role in connecting residents of Maine’s most isolated islands with medical care, personal care, modern technology, and educational services. Director Sharon Daley meets with islanders in their homes, and on the Sunbeam V. Between trips Sharon stays in touch by phone, internet.
Sunbeam V has state-of-the-art telemedicine facilities. Islanders can have virtual office visits with mainland doctors. Adults/children connect with psychiatrists for evaluations and medication reviews. A growing number of island residents use telemedicne equipment to meet with mental health and substance abuse counselors.