Press Release

Release Date: July 23, 2012
HRCHC Contact: Communications Department
Telephone: (207) 861-3466
Email: Communications@HealthReach.org

Health centers in Madison and Kingfield now offering behavioral health services

KINGFIELD and MADISON – Connie Coggins, HealthReach President/CEO is pleased to announce the appointment of Kim Bailey Brooker, LCSW to the medical teams at Madison Area and Mt. Abram Regional Health Centers. As a licensed clinical social worker, Brooker will be assisting health center patients in identifying and working on goals to improve their overall wellness. Many primary care practices are moving towards a more patient-centered focus and employing a professional skilled in assisting patients with behavioral changes has proved beneficial. The medical providers will recommend patients to Brooker and she will meet with them right in the health center. This will include patients with chronic conditions, families experiencing challenges, and others who would benefit from visits with a trained behavioral health professional.

Brooker brings experience in a variety of settings with children and families. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Education and Master of Social Work degrees at University of Maine, Orono. Her clinical areas of expertise include children and families, family therapy, and issues related to grief and loss. According to Brooker, "I was interested in this position because I believe in holistic health - the connection between the mind and body. Good health to me means both physical and mental health. I hope to help people make behavioral changes which will improve their overall health."

In Madison, Brooker will be joining physicians Nancy Knapp and Burton Knapp as well as family nurse practitioners, Stephen Dickey and JoHanna Davis. The health center provides a full range of primary care and preventive services to over 1,700 residents of Madison and surrounding towns including Anson, Norridgewock, and Starks. In Kingfield, Brooker will be working with Shannon Doughty, family nurse practitioner. 1,500 residents from Carrabasset Valley, Coplin and Dallas Plantations, Eustis, Kingfield, New Portland, and Stratton, as well as other locations utilize Mt. Abram Regional Health Center.

HealthReach Community Health Centers is a system of eleven federally qualified health centers in Central and Western Maine. Dedicated providers deliver high quality health care to citizens in over 80 rural communities. To ensure access for everyone, HealthReach accepts major insurances as well as Medicare and MaineCare. In addition, uninsured and underinsured patients have access to an Affordable Care Program and assistance with applications for other programs that help with health care and medication costs. A private, non-profit organization celebrating 37 years of providing care, HealthReach is funded by patient fees, grants and individual donations.