NOTE: Please also see the “Support Groups” page for additional resources
AIDS / HIV:
Northern Maine HIV Program: 207-733-1090 x5221
Free HIV testing, counseling, and referral services for high risk individuals through the Regional Medical Center in Lubec. Free 20-minute test that is 100% anonymous.
ALZHEIMER’S / DEMENTIA:
Family Caregiver Services & Dementia Programs: 207-941-2865 or 1-800-432-7812
The Family Caregiver Resource program offers information, assistance, support, appropriate referrals, and sometimes just a friendly ear, to anyone who is providing unpaid assistance to a senior. Caregiver Resource Specialists are Licensed Social Workers who are specially trained in caregiving issues. No problem is too big or too small for them to tackle.
Memory Care Facilities in Washington County: 888-319-7682
This free site lists residential facilities, assisted living, and boarding houses available in Washington County (and anywhere else in Maine as well) for seniors with Alzheimers or dementia.
CANCER:
Beth C Wright Cancer Resource Center (Washington County Programs): 207-610-5152
Support groups, alternative healing modalities, nutrition support, yoga and exercise classes geared just for cancer patients, and much more. Check out the event calendar on the website or call for more information.
163 Main Street Baileyville
Cancer Patient Navigator: 207-255-3741
Downeast cancer patient navigators work with directly patients and healthcare providers throughout Washington County. Cancer patient navigators can connect you to a variety of resources throughout your cancer treatment process. This service is provided free through Healthy Acadia
Colorectal Cancer Screening Support Fund: 207-255-3741
This fund was established to assist where the cost of screening transportation to screening, or other barriers prevent access to screening. (For Ages 45+)
Visit the Healthy Acadia website here and click on the Need Help? button or call for more information.
Home Cooked Healing (from Beth C Wright): 207-664-0339
Home Cooked Healing is a service of the Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center that provides nourishing and appetizing meals for cancer patients undergoing treatment and their families in Hancock County. Our free home cooked meals provide a respite from daily cooking, allowing clients to focus on healing and recovery. Home Cooked Healing provides up to 5 nutritious dinners per week to cancer patients and their families for up to 8 weeks during their cancer treatment. Volunteer cooks prepare appetizing meals according to the individual dietary needs and preferences of each cancer patient. Cooks use organic ingredients whenever possible and follow ServSafe guidelines for food preparation. Volunteer drivers deliver meals directly to clients’ homes on a weekly basis. Confidentiality is strictly maintained for everyone receiving meals. For more information or to sign-up for meal service, please call 207- 664-0339 or email: akurman@bethwrightcancercenter.org
The Joe Andruzzi Foundation: 1-508-261-0630
The foundation provides assistance to patients of all ages throughout New England who have fallen on financial hardships as a result of a cancer diagnosis. JAF’s Financial Assistance Program specifically targets patients who are struggling to make ends meet. Email: grants@joeandruzzifoundation.org
Cancer Travel Assistance
– Beth Wright Center’s Transportation & Lodging Financial Assistance Program: 207-664-0339
The The Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center has received a grant from the Maine Cancer Foundation to pay for transportation & lodging costs for cancer patients traveling to receive treatment. Patients and their caregivers will be reimbursed for gas, other forms of travel and hotel rooms. Call the number above or email info@bethwrightcancercenter.org
– Road To Recovery: 1-800-227-2345
The American Cancer Society Road To Recovery® program eases your burden by giving free rides to cancer-related medical appointments. Our trained volunteer drivers are happy to pick you up, take you to your appointment, and drop you off at home. All for free and all to make your days a little easier. Patients must be traveling to a cancer-related medical appointment. Other eligibility requirements may apply. For example, a caregiver may need to accompany a patient who cannot walk without help, or is under age 18. Contact us to find out what is available in your area, and what the specific requirements are. It can take several business days to coordinate your ride, so please call us at 1-800-227-2345 well in advance of your appointment date.
CEREBRAL PALSY:
Maine Parent Federation: 1-800-870-7746
Help for parents of children with disabilities including cerebral palsy. Links to services and resources including a team of providers called Family Support Navigators who can help organize paperwork, help find needed services, accompany families when meeting with doctors, school providers, other service providers.
United Cerebral Palsy of Northeastern Maine: 207-941-2885
Non-profit organization providing support, education, and advocacy to our members and our communities
CHRONIC HEALTH CONDITIONS:
211 Maine: Dial 2-1-1 (toll free)
Free, confidential information and referral service that connects people of all ages across Maine to local services. 211 Maine is based in Maine and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our Specialists are trained and friendly. You can reach 211 via phone, text, email, or by searching our online database.
Guidebook for Caregivers of Children with Rare and/or Serious Illnesses:
The National Alliance for Caregiving is proud to present The Circle of Care Guidebook for Caregivers of Children with Rare and/or Serious Illnesses, a new resource designed in partnership with Global Genes and with support by Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals to provide caregivers with the support, services and specialized information they need to care for a child with a rare and/or serious illness. This guidebook offers an extensive list of resources to help a caregiver in any situation throughout the entirety of their journey as a rare disease caregiver, compiled by those in the rare disease space and caregivers themselves. This list is supplemented by the specialized information needed in order to care for a child with a rare and/or serious illness. If you or someone you know cares for a child living with a rare and/or serious illness, make sure to check out the guidebook here.
Keep Me Well:
An easy to use on-line resource to help Maine residents assess their risk for chronic diseases, improve their health through education, and learn more about local resources and supports. Recommended by Healthy Acadia
Medline Plus:
Online service that provides a wide variety of health resources and enables visitors to search health topics, cross-reference their medicines, review educational videos, and more. Recommended by Healthy Acadia
Public Health Nursing (PHN): 207-287-4112 / 1-877-763-0438
Nurse Home Visiting – Nurses can provide support to patients of any age, in their home, providing health assessments, medicine management, and care coordination. This is a free service for residents of Maine, no insurance or Mainecare required
Taking Action for Health: 207-667-7171
This is a free, interactive 18-hour workshop series that is open to anyone living with a chronic health condition, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer, obesity, arthritis, migraines, asthma, eating disorders, depression and more. Caregivers are also welcome. Classes meet once weekly for six weeks. Participants will learn appropriate use of medications; how to evaluate new treatment options; appropriate exercise for maintaining/improving strength, flexibility and endurance; nutrition information; how to communicate effectively with family, friends and health professionals; techniques to manage frustration, pain, fatigue and isolation; and decision making processes. This free workshop series is provided through Healthy Acadia or contact Nina@HealthyAcadia.org.
DIABETES:
Diabetes Prevention Lifestyle Change Program:
Healthy Acadia lifestyle coaches offer the CDC-led National Diabetes Prevention Program for preventing type 2 diabetes. Participants meet with a trained coach and a small group of people who are making lifestyle changes to prevent diabetes. Sessions are weekly for 6 months and then monthly for 6 months. This is a free service provided through Healthy Acadia. To sign up for this program contact us at info@healthacadia.org.
Dining with Diabetes Down East: 207-255-3345
This free program complements medical care by teaching people with type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes, and their family members and caregivers what they can do to help control blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol. UMaine Extension registered dietitian and nutritionist Alan Majka will provide presentations, lead discussions and demonstrate preparation of nutritious recipes that participants can sample. There will be an opportunity to taste a variety of main dishes, side dishes, and desserts with support from Hannaford Supermarkets.
MEDICAL SUPPLIES:
The Connection Initiative (TCI) – Durable Medical Equipment Exchange: 207-255-7786
The Connection Initiative offers a durable medical equipment exchange in Washington County. If you are in need of medical equipment or have used equipment to donate, contact TCI. All equipment is free to borrow. Items they often have available include: wheel chairs, commode chairs, rollators (4-wheel walkers), manual or electric lifts, lift chairs, hospital beds, grab bars for bathrooms and hallways.
PARKINSON’S:
Parkinson’s Wellness Fund:
The Parkinson’s Wellness Fund provides individuals with Parkinson’s access to the services they need to live an improved quality of life. Services are free, apply online here. Grants are available to the caregiver as well as the individual living with Parkinson’s
PTSD:
Guide for Supporting a Loved One with PTSD
Caring for a loved one with PTSD can feel isolating, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our new PTSD Caregiver Guide is here to help you:
- Recognize PTSD symptoms and how they affect daily life
- Prepare for doctor visits and medication discussions
- Manage stress & avoid burnout with real strategies
- Find 24/7 peer support through our partnership with Kindly Human
This guide is designed for YOU—the caregiver. Whether you’re just starting out or need fresh strategies, it’s filled with expert advice, caregiver stories, and practical tools to make your journey easier. View the guide here.
Health Affiliates of Maine: 1-877-888-4304
Post-traumatic stress therapy and case management services for active service members, veterans, and families. Health Affiliates Maine is committed to helping the men and women of the armed forces manage: