Health News

Hospice volunteers needed

BANGOR – Officials at Hospice of Eastern Maine are looking for people who want to experience personal satisfaction while making a real difference in others’ lives. They encourage such people to join Hospice of Eastern Maine’s family of caring volunteers.

HOEM is looking for compassionate men and women to share their time and friendship with area patients and families living with terminal illness. HOEM’s service area includes communities within a 25-mile radius of Bangor.

The 24-hour fall volunteer training course will be held 5:30-9:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Oct. 12-Nov. 16, at the Eastern Maine Healthcare Mall, 885 Union St., Suite 220.

This course will prepare volunteers to provide emotional support, respite care, bereavement support and a variety of other comfort services to hospice patients and their families – at a time when they most need a friend. Hospice volunteers do not provide personal care, such as bathing and toilet assistance.

Hospice services focus on the physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs of individuals and families living with terminal illness. Hospice volunteers are valuable members of an interdisciplinary team that oversees each patient’s care.

For more information about becoming a volunteer with Hospice of Eastern Maine, call Wayne Melanson, director of volunteer services, at 973-8269, or (800) 350-8269.

Prospective members must complete an application and interview prior to Oct. 10.

Walk for Brain Injury

BREWER – Brewer Rehab and Living Center will serve as the host for the Brain Injury Association of Maine’s 15th annual Walk for Brain Injury Prevention at 9 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 26, at the facility, 74 Parkway South. Registration will begin at 8 a.m.

This year’s walk theme is Walk for Thought. Walkers may opt for a one-mile or a four-mile route. A craft fair also will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. that day at the facility.

Musical entertainment will be provided by Bob and Ed. Refreshments will be available and clowns will prompt smiles.

The Brain Injury Association of Maine works to give hope and a voice to thousands of Mainers who live with the consequences of brain injury. The money raised from the walk will help the association continue to help brain-injured children and adults adapt to life. In addition, the association works with lawmakers so that more effective care systems may be developed.

For more information about the walk, call Julie Grover, coordinator, at 989-7300.