KVHC expansion boosts local economy

Modernized facility to serve more patients
Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Elna Seabrooks
HIGH SIGN — Dickie Somers, a volunteer over the years, gives his seal of approval to Katahdin Valley Health Center’s expansion last Thursday. Next to him, from left, are Rhonda Brophy, Mary Hall, Linda Goodall and Christine Nickerson.
By Elna Seabrooks
Staff Writer
    PATTEN — A $1.9 million renovation and expansion of the Katahdin Valley Health Center (KVHC) drew praise from executives and guests at the official unveiling last Thursday during an open house for the community.
    “This is incredible. It’s such an improvement over what we had. We have room for more providers and more services. And, we have modern equipment,” explained Linda Goodall, board chairman, who is, by profession, a registered nurse.
    Tents provided cover from the rain for some 100-150 invited guests and community residents who arrived to tour the 8,000 square foot facility and listen to remarks from Goodall, CEO Durward Humphrey and other guests.
36-year odyssey
    Humphrey ascribed a visionary role to local leaders and organizers who created the health care agency in 1974. Today, as a federally qualified health center, it serves approximately 2,500 patients a year accounting for 12,000 visits a year, according to Humphrey. “We provide complete comprehensive care and we do provide sliding fees for the uninsured and the underinsured,” said Humphrey.
Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Elna Seabrooks
NEW EXAM ROOMS — Lacey Qualey, RN, (far left) tells guests about equipment as they tour one of several exam rooms. From left are Dickie Somers, Tom Stevens and Anne and Norman Fournier.
    Lori Donley, chief operating officer, said: “It’s a dream that’s come true not only for employees but for the whole community because of increased access to health care. The nearest hospitals are 40 miles either north or south at Millinocket Regional or Houlton Regional. That’s why founders of this health center formed it. We’re not a hospital, but we can stabilize before someone needs to go to the hospital. And, we can provide their primary care.”
    Rhonda Brophy, a board member, said when she moved to Patten 32 years ago, “the health center was just a couple of small rooms in the back of Merrows Department Store. To see how it has grown to this, is just amazing.”  
    Goodall said the founders saw a chance to make a difference. “It’s been a heck of a ride,” she added. And, Goodall indicated more may be on the horizon “over the next two years with the possibility of new federal funding.”
Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Elna Seabrooks
A CATERED AFFAIR — Tents provided cover for invited guests and area residents who enjoyed refreshments following speakers’ remarks.
    County Commissioner Norman Fournier lent his support at the event saying: “We want to compliment KVHC for this beautiful building and the services they provide to people.” Humphrey had said in addition to new exam rooms, the behavioral health space, optometry space, IT space, and waiting rooms had been expanded and improved.
Local benefits
    Todd Hardy, owner of Hardy Construction out of Hampden, acted as general contractor on the job. He said he added 5,000 square feet to the original building, redid the exterior with siding to create a uniform appearance and re-shingled the roof. After the addition was completed, Hardy said, his company was responsible for renovating the existing exam rooms and staff offices.
    Among the local subcontractors was Dave Harbison of Harbison Plumbing and Heating who installed a System 2000 energy efficient oil burner. Harbison said “it was a good project and well managed.”
Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Elna Seabrooks
FACILITY TOUR — Guests view the new waiting room.
    Hardy added that he hired other local subcontractors in addition to purchasing supplies and materials locally. Also giving a boost to local businesses were arrangements for lodging, meals and groceries. The open house even provided an opportunity for at least one new business in Patten — Divine Cuisine Catering. Guests extolled the chef’s gastronomical skills and preparation of various hot, cold, sweet and savory delicacies.
    Tom Stevens, area director of USDA’s rural development program attended the event and said his agency was able to guarantee funding for the project with the assistance of Bangor Savings Bank. Christine Nickerson, a KVHC board member and Bangor Savings vice president was also there. She said she was “extremely pleased with the way the expansion and renovation turned out. It’s great for the community and the patients.”