Island Health & Telemedicine: Help Island Residents Access Health Care
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Since 1905, we have played a vital role in connecting residents of Maine’s most isolated islands with medical care. Our Island Health Program carries on the tradition, and there is never a charge for any Mission staff member’s services.
For island residents, accessing even the most basic health care is a significant challenge. Not every island has daily ferry service, and a trip to the mainland, when possible, is expensive and time consuming.
In response, Maine Seacoast Mission offers personal care, modern technology, and educational services. Director of Island Health Sharon Daley, RN, meets with islanders on the Sunbeam V, in their homes, via phone and internet. The Sunbeam state-of-the-art telemedicine facilities offer islanders virtual office visits with mainland doctors. Telemedicine is increasingly important in connecting islanders with mental health and substance abuse counselors.
The Island Health program also arranges for medical specialists to visit the islands. Sharon sets up on-island screening clinics for conditions such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes, and arranges educational talks. Each year, Island Health sponsors a free two-day conference focusing on how to help elders from island communities age in place.
The short film below shows a day in the life of Sharon Daley as Director of Island Health.
Thank you.
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