Maine organization
supports Rehab and Therapy Services
PRESQUE ISLE — TAMC’s Rehabilitation and Therapy Services is one of 14 recipients in Maine with gifted funds raised through the Program for People with Disabilities, formerly called the Tootsie Roll Drive. The fund-raising effort is led by the local councils of Maine State Knights of Columbus.
Contributed photo
MARK BOURGOIN, state treasurer for the Maine State Council Knights of Columbus, presents, from left: Renee Guerrette, outpatient care coordinator for TAMC Rehabilitation and Therapy Services, and Dawn Poitras, manager, with a $500 donation that will be used to assist patients with purchasing items that are not covered by insurance and which they cannot otherwise afford themselves.
Mark Bourgoin, state treasurer for the Maine State Council Knights of Columbus, recently presented Dawn Poitras, TAMC manager of rehab services, with a check from the statewide charitable organization. The purpose of the donation drive, according to Bourgoin, is to provide help to those with disabilities across the state. He sees TAMC’s Rehab and Therapy Services as an ideal fit, given that they serve numerous county residents, many with disabilities, annually.
The donated funds will be used to assist patients with purchasing items that are not covered by insurance and which they cannot otherwise afford themselves. According to Renee Guerrette, outpatient care coordinator for TAMC’s Rehab and Therapy Services, these items are typically tools that help to facilitate independence and improve recovery for the patients.
“We have also purchased a great deal of therapy equipment/modalities for our programs that allow the therapists to provide the most effective and innovative treatment available,” said Guerrette. “We are extremely grateful for this incredible gift. These funds allow us to provide better outcomes for our patients.”
Altogether, almost $80,000 was collected this fraternal year (2014-15) by the Knights of Columbus. Of that amount, $65,000 was returned to the local councils and 14 state-level recipients received donations ranging from $500 to $1,500 for a total of $15,000.
“The Knights of Columbus save lives every day through their generous financial donations and volunteer hours in the areas of church, community, council, family life, youth and pro-life causes. What better way to do that than to donate monies to an organization that saves lives by giving those with traumatic brain injuries and other life-altering circumstances an opportunity to rehabilitate and gain strength and productivity. It is the only such program north of Bangor, and we are fortunate to have it in Aroostook County,” said Bourgoin.
TAMC Rehab and Therapy Services is comprised of physical, occupational and speech therapy services. The therapists work with patients both in the inpatient and outpatient settings.
Various different specialty services are offered through the department, as well, including lymphedema care, vestibular rehabilitation, neuro rehab, pediatric care, and many other rehabilitation interventions.
