Penobscot Valley Hospital

Kate Maurer, PA-C, Returns to Penobscot Valley Primary Care Penobscot Valley Hospital is pleased to announce that Kate Maurer, PA-C, has returned to Penobscot Valley Primary Care! Kate will be available Tuesday through Thursday to provide care ensuring that current Rural Health Clinic patients of all ages have access to prompt and convenient care when they need it most. In a small, rural community like Lincoln, Maine, access to timely medical care is crucial. Many residents face challenges such as long travel distances to larger healthcare facilities, limited provider availability, and difficulty securing last-minute appointments. By adding more skilled providers, patients receive the medical attention they need without unnecessary delays or the need to seek care outside the area. For many individuals and families, unexpected illnesses—such as respiratory infections, flu symptoms, minor injuries, or sudden health concerns—can disrupt daily life. Without immediate access to care, conditions may worsen, leading to unnecessary emergency room visits or extended discomfort. With Kate Maurer now joining our team, Penobscot Valley Primary Care can: Reduce wait times?for non-emergency medical concerns Prevent unnecessary trips to the ER?for minor illnesses and injuries Provide more accessible care for working individuals and families?who need flexible scheduling Support the overall well-being of the community?by addressing health concerns before they escalate Kate Maurer is a familiar face to many and brings a wealth of experience and compassionate care to our team. Her return ensures that Penobscot Valley Primary Care continues to fulfill its mission of providing high-quality, accessible healthcare to our community. If you or a loved one needs an appointment, call 207-794-3296 to schedule a visit. We’re thrilled to welcome Kate back and remain committed to keeping our community healthy and cared for.

Penobscot Valley Hospital Celebrates International Women’s Day On March 8th, the world comes together to celebrate International Women’s Day, recognizing the achievements of women across all industries and inspiring future generations to pursue their dreams. At Penobscot Valley Hospital (PVH), this day holds special significance as we honor the dedicated women who lead and serve our community with excellence. Women have been integral to healthcare for generations, yet leadership roles in many industries remain male-dominated. According to The Academy of Women’s Leadership (2023), 41.9% of the workforce worldwide is made up of women, yet only 32.2% hold senior leadership positions. In fields like medicine and law, women accounted for just 37% of doctors and 40% of lawyers in 2022, according to Forbes. At PVH, we are proud to be part of a growing movement that champions women in leadership. Our hospital stands out as a women-led organization, where: 100% of our Senior Leadership Team is comprised of women 90% of our department leaders are women 85% of our entire workforce consists of talented and hardworking women These numbers reflect more than just demographics—they represent the dedication, expertise, and leadership of the women who drive PVH forward. Every day, they provide exceptional care, make critical decisions, and shape the future of healthcare in our community. As we celebrate this special day, PVH remains committed to empowering women in healthcare and beyond. We hope to inspire young women everywhere to pursue their passions—whether in medicine, science, leadership, or any field they choose. To the women of PVH and all women in healthcare—we see you, we celebrate you, and we thank you. Your dedication and resilience continue to shape a brighter future for all. Happy International Women’s Day from all of us at Penobscot Valley Hospital! Check out our website at www.pvhme.org and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn!

February is American Heart Month: Steps to a Healthier Heart from PVH As we get into February, it’s the perfect time to shine a spotlight on heart health. American Heart Month serves as a crucial reminder to take proactive steps in preventing heart disease, which remains the leading cause of death in the United States. At Penobscot Valley Hospital, we are committed to helping our community stay informed and take action for a healthier heart for you and your family. ? Know Your Risk Understanding your risk factors is the first step in heart disease prevention. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle all contribute to an increased risk of heart disease. Family history also plays a role, making regular health screenings essential. Discussing these factors with your primary care provider is one of the most important steps towards a happy and healthy heart. Together with your provider, you can develop a plan to set yourself on track. ? Steps to a Healthier Heart The good news is that heart disease is largely preventable with simple lifestyle changes. Here are some simple, but key, steps to keeping your heart strong: Eat Heart-Healthy Foods: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can significantly improve heart health. Limit processed foods, saturated fats, and excessive salt and sugar intake. Stay Active: Regular physical activity strengthens the heart and improves circulation. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, such as brisk walking, hiking, snow shoeing, or lifting weights. Manage Stress: Chronic stress can negatively impact your heart. Incorporate stress-reducing activities like yoga, meditation, deep breathing exercises, or simply spending time with loved ones. Monitor Blood Pressure & Cholesterol: Regular check-ups are essential. High blood pressure and high cholesterol often have no symptoms but can lead to serious heart issues. Your healthcare provider can help you manage these risks. PVH’s Laboratory services can provide blood work to track progress and key indicators of health. Get Enough Sleep: Quality sleep is vital for heart health. Aim for 7-9 hours per night, as poor sleep can contribute to high blood pressure and other cardiovascular problems. ? At Penobscot Valley Hospital, we offer a range of services to support your heart health, including primary care providers, wellness check-ups, specialty referrals, full-service laboratory department, and advanced imaging services. If you have concerns about your heart or need help developing a plan for a healthier lifestyle, our team is here to help.

??? Happy Phlebotomists Recognition Week! ???? At Penobscot Valley Hospital, we’re proud to celebrate the dedication and hard work of our incredible phlebotomy team: Michaela, Rylee, Katie, Naoma, and Caitlyn. These skilled professionals play a vital role in patient care, ensuring accuracy and compassion with every blood draw. Their expertise supports diagnostics and treatment plans, helping us deliver the high-quality care our community deserves. Thank you, Michaela, Rylee, Katie, Naoma, and Caitlyn, for all you do to make a difference for our patients and the PVH family! ???? #PhlebotomistsRecognitionWeek #TeamPVH #CommunityCare #HealthcareHeroes

Penobscot Valley Hospital at Husson University Spring Career Fair Yesterday, February 11th, Penobscot Valley Hospital had the opportunity to attend the Husson University Career Fair. Betheny Proctor, Human Resources Manager, and Emily Mushrall, MS, OTR/L, Director of Rehabilitation Services, represented PVH and had a great time engaging with students and professionals. Both Betheny and Emily are proud Alumni of Husson University! It was a pleasure to share insights about our hospital, connect with talented individuals, and discuss the rewarding opportunities we offer in healthcare. We’re excited about the future and the potential of welcoming new faces to the PVH team! #HealthcareCareers #CareerFair #PenobscotValleyHospital

Join Our PVH Family! ?????????? At Penobscot Valley Hospital, we’re more than just a healthcare team—we’re a family. Rooted in the heart of Lincoln, Maine, we take pride in providing compassionate, high-quality care to our community. If you're looking for a rewarding career where you’re valued, supported, and part of something bigger, check out our current job openings! Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your journey in healthcare, there’s a place for you here at PVH. ? Competitive benefits ? Supportive team environment ? Opportunities to grow Come make a difference with us! Explore our career opportunities today.

?? Celebrating National CRNA Week ?? This week, we’re proud to recognize the incredible Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) who play a vital role in providing exceptional care to our patients. At Penobscot Valley Hospital, we are fortunate to have an outstanding team of CRNAs who bring expertise, compassion, and dedication to every procedure they support. A heartfelt thank you to our amazing CRNAs and True North Anesthesia who are tremendous partners in health: ?? Zachary Skinner ?? Justin Alley ?? Paul Schneider ?? Max Daviault ?? Rob Peck Your commitment to patient safety and comfort ensures that our community receives the highest level of care. Your contributions do not go unnoticed, and we are so grateful for all that you do! Let’s show our appreciation for these healthcare heroes. Drop a comment or like to celebrate their hard work and dedication! ?? #NationalCRNAWeek #CRNAAppreciation #HealthcareHeroes #PenobscotValleyHospital

?? Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ?? Today, we join the nation in celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His vision of equality, compassion, and service continues to inspire us to work toward a brighter, more inclusive future. At Penobscot Valley Hospital, we are committed to serving our community with the values Dr. King exemplified: kindness, fairness, and a steadfast dedication to improving the lives of others. As we reflect on his contributions, let us also take this opportunity to recommit ourselves to acts of service and compassion that uplift our neighbors and strengthen our community. ?? How are you honoring Dr. King's legacy today? Share your reflections, stories, or acts of kindness in the comments below. Let’s inspire each other to make a difference, one small step at a time. #MLKDay #CommunityCare #PenobscotValleyHospital #HealthcareWithHeart

??? Stay Healthy This Season: Tips to Reduce the Spread of Respiratory Illnesses! ?? At Penobscot Valley Hospital, we care deeply about the health and well-being of our community. As respiratory illnesses like the flu, COVID-19, RSV, and colds become more prevalent during this season, here are some simple yet effective tips to help protect yourself and those around you: 1?? Wash Your Hands Often Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol when soap isn’t available. 2?? Cover Coughs and Sneezes Use a tissue or your elbow—not your hands—to help prevent spreading germs. 3?? Stay Home if You’re Sick Rest and recover while keeping others safe from infection. 4?? Wear a Mask When Necessary Especially in crowded or high-risk settings, a mask can reduce the spread of airborne illnesses. 5?? Clean and Disinfect Regularly Focus on high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, phones, and countertops. 6?? Get Vaccinated Protect yourself and others by staying up-to-date on recommended vaccines like the flu shot and COVID-19 boosters. By working together, we can help reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses in our community. Remember, every small step makes a big difference! ?? What steps do you take to stay healthy during flu season? Share your tips in the comments! #HealthyCommunity #FluPrevention #StayWell #CommunityCare #PenobscotValleyHospital

Being more active does not require a gym membership. If working out with strangers isn’t your thing, that’s OK! You can get plenty of physical activity outside (if it’s not too cold) or in the privacy of your living room.