Recently, after much consideration, Eastern Maine Medical Center and many other Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems member organizations joined the majority of hospitals nationwide in sending information to previous patients about opportunities to advance their mission. Positive patient care experiences often translate into supportive community members later on; in fact many of our most generous and dedicated donors are former patients. This is particularly important given the nonprofit mission of our health care organizations.

You might wonder what prompted this. To be honest, we were a little behind the times. This practice is very common in hospitals and health systems nationwide as well as right here in Maine. We look at it as an opportunity to connect with members of the community who may have a special interest, or a desire to learn about new services and programs, as well to receive fundraising information.

Each year, EMMC raises more than $4 million from many generous donors, including grateful patients and their loved ones. This important private support makes it possible for the hospital to purchase equipment and other materials, provide charity care for the most vulnerable in our community, and offer services that have an immediate effect on patient care and quality of life in Maine. Eastern Maine Healthcare Charities does not and will not share information about donors or prospective donors with any other organization. Period.

You will not be sent any materials from Healthcare Charities until at least 60 days after the conclusion of your visit. A patient’s health information remains just as confidential as ever, and a patient’s willingness to have his or her name included on our mailing list, or not, will not in any way affect care. Still, we understand that some people are uncomfortable with this, so anyone may remove their name from our mailing list at any time. Simply call Healthcare Charities, or fill out one of the “Opt Out” cards conveniently located at all of our points of patient registration at EMMC and throughout our system.

Healthcare Charities supports the development office for the member organizations of EMHS in Bangor, Presque Isle, Blue Hill, Greenville, Waterville and Pittsfield. Our staff live in the communities we serve. We take great pride in knowing our work helps our family, friends, and neighbors. This year, as Healthcare Charities celebrates 25 years of dedicated philanthropic service to the people of Maine, our mission is simple – to be your charity of choice, and do our part in achieving the EMHS vision to be the best rural health care system in America by 2012.

Michael Crowley is president of Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems Healthcare Charities.