PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The Aroostook Medical Center’s Rehabilitation and Therapy Services recently received funds raised through the Knights of Columbus Program for People with Disabilities (formerly called the Tootsie Roll Drive).
The fundraising effort is led by the local chapters of the Maine State Council Knights of Columbus.
The donation will go to the hospital’s Adult and Pediatric Brain Injury Program, according to Mark Bourgoin, state secretary of the Maine State Council. Bourgoin presented a check for $1,000 to TAMC.
“Our Program for People with Disabilities, formerly the Tootsie Roll Program, is intended to help non-profit organizations that care for the intellectual and physically challenged of Maine. TAMC’s program to help people with traumatic brain injuries and other life-altering circumstances regain strength and productivity is a perfect fit,” Bourgoin said.
The state K of C donated a total of $14,000 to various causes throughout the state; the gift to TAMC was one of only two made in Aroostook County. This marks the fifth year that the Knights of Columbus have generously provided funds in support of this program.
“These donations have allowed our department to support many patients on their road to recovery, enabling us to help remove barriers and facilitate our patients’ recovery,” says Renee Guerrette, outpatient care coordinator for TAMC’s Rehab and Therapy Services.
The donated funds have been used to purchase gas cards to help patients attend therapy sessions as well to purchase items that are not covered by insurance and which the patients cannot otherwise afford themselves, typically adaptive equipment tools that help facilitate independence and improved recovery for patients.
Guerrette said the rehab center plans to purchase video monitors that will allow parents or caretakers to watch their loved ones’ therapy sessions without physically being in the room with them.
“Oftentimes children or patients need that individual direct alone time with the therapist to get the most of their care. These monitors would allow parents to observe the care while at the same time allowing the child autonomy,” explained Guerrette. “We would also like to continue to help patients purchase durable medical supplies and provide gas cards for when they have barriers to transportation.”
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.
