I have always thought that the United Way was aptly named. The organization unites individuals, businesses and nonprofit agencies to form a better community in which to live.

The United Way of Eastern Maine, which covers Penobscot, Piscataquis, Waldo, Washington and Hancock counties, exemplifies the mission of bringing people together to help those in need.

And help they do. The dedicated staff and volunteers work tirelessly to provide information and foster collaboration within the community, and to truly make an impact and a difference.

And speaking of impact, the United Way of Eastern Maine went directly to the community to seek out its most pressing concerns. The people have spoken, and one of the Community Impact areas of specific interest is seniors.

This is good news, as United Way funds two of Eastern Agency on Aging’s programs. Meals for Me and Community Services benefit from United Way dollars. But we are not alone.

Also funded under the Supporting Seniors council are several other programs.

. The Bangor Y Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab Program provides a safe, supervised schedule for physical exercise, health education, and social activities to people who have had a cardiac or pulmonary event, or suffer from related chronic disease. This program helps them build healthy spirit, mind and body.

. The University of Maine Center on Aging has the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program. RSVP supports and encourages older adults to remain active, engaged, healthy and productive while meeting critical community needs through their volunteer work.

. Faith in Action Community Connection recruits, trains and coordinates volunteers throughout the Ellsworth area who are matched with people who need help – primarily the elderly, disabled and people with long-term health care needs. Volunteers may provide a ride, a phone call, a friendly visit that also may provide a respite break for the caregiver, or help around the home.

. My Friend’s Place in Bangor is a licensed adult day program designed to offer participants social and recreational opportunities, while providing relief to family members caring at home for a relative with memory loss from Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

. The Foster Grandparent Program is sponsored by the National Senior Service Corp. It allows low-income seniors to volunteer in schools, day care centers, Head Start centers, hospitals and other sites to work with at-risk youth. The volunteers receive a small stipend.

. University of Maine Cooperative Extension has the Senior Companion Program. Senior Companions are friendly visitors who provide companionship and support to homebound elders, helping them remain independent by providing transportation to grocery stores, pharmacies and medical appointments. The companions also help clients complete daily living activities.

. The Warren Center Regional Hearing Aid Bank in Bangor makes refurbished or low-cost hearing aids available to seniors and other adults who suffer from hearing impairment, but are unable to afford hearing aids. Hearing aids range from $700 to $4,000 for high-end digital models, a cost not covered by Medicare or MaineCare for adults 19 and older. This program can directly impact a person’s daily life by giving the gift of sound. Think about that the next time you hear a baby laugh.

These are a drop in the bucket of programs that are able to continue or maintain services because of United Way support.

For more information on the United Way of Eastern Maine, call 941-2800, or visit www.unitedwayem.org.

The Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit or Medicare, part D, is here. Eastern Agency on Aging will be holding Medicare D “help sessions” 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays, Feb. 18, March 11, April 15 and May 13, at Bangor High School, 885 Broadway.

Enter the school through the administration door and you will be directed from there.

Trained volunteers will log on to the Medicare.gov Web site and help Medicare beneficiaries or their caregivers with the “comparison tool” online, which narrows down the drug plan options and finds the ones that are best-suited to the individual. The consumer can then choose a plan.

Eastern Agency on Aging staff will be available to help interpret the information generated by the computer.

Preregistration is not necessary for this session. Medicare beneficiaries should bring with them a list of current medications with the correct spelling, the dosage and frequency, the price, name of the preferred pharmacy, and a copy of any letters that have been received from Social Security, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, and the state of Maine related to the prescription drug benefit.

Thanks to Bangor High School and participating students.

Carol Higgins is director of communications at Eastern Agency on Aging. For information on EAA, call 941-2865, e-mail info@eaaa.org or log on www.eaaa.org.