Free flu clinic, KBIC receives transformational bequest: Seacoast health news

Free flu clinic

ROCHESTER — Take your shot at beating the flu. There will be a free flu clinic for anyone ages four years and older on Monday, Oct. 23, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at James Foley Memorial Community Center, 150 Wakefield St., Rochester. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian or bring a consent form signed by a parent/legal guardian. No pre-registration is required. Visit SCPHN.org for more information about the flu shot, FAQS and more.

York Hospital announces 2023 recipients of the Carroll Family and Michael C. Rossiter Scholarship

Carol Kane Leonhard, scholarship committee member; Cami Webber, scholarship recipient; Dr. Patrick Taylor, York Hospital President & CEO; Ava Smith, scholarship recipient; and Kate Ford, Director of Volunteer & Student Experiences.
Carol Kane Leonhard, scholarship committee member; Cami Webber, scholarship recipient; Dr. Patrick Taylor, York Hospital President & CEO; Ava Smith, scholarship recipient; and Kate Ford, Director of Volunteer & Student Experiences.

YORK, Maine — Sylvester and Ruth Carroll believed in rewarding students who demonstrate strength of character, a strong will, and a sense of commitment. Each year York Hospital awards The Carroll Family and Michael C. Rossiter Scholarship to student volunteers who exhibit these traits in their daily interactions.  The York Hospital Scholarship Committee is pleased to announce the Class of 2023 scholarship recipients: Ava Smith of Marshwood High School and Camden “Cami” Webber of Kennebunk High School.

Smith, a 2023 graduate of Marshwood High School and resident of South Berwick, is enrolled in the nursing program at St. Joseph’s College in Standish, Maine. Smith was a much-appreciated volunteer at Pediatric Associates of York Hospital throughout her senior year. Praised by the providers for her professional and uplifting attitude, the practice staff, young patients, and parents all benefited from her attention to detail and willingness to help wherever needed. In addition to volunteering at York Hospital, Smith worked part-time at Beach Pea Bakery and the Ogunquit Lobster Pound, while also participating on Marshwood’s volleyball and track and field teams.

Smith’s perseverance during the pandemic shone through as she doubled up on chemistry and biology courses, while also participating in Sanford Regional Technical Center’s Health Occupations program, where she earned her Certified Nursing Assistant license (CNA). Additionally, Smith enrolled and excelled in College Composition, Medical Terminology, and Overview of Anatomy & Physiology courses at York County Community College. Her advisor and chemistry teacher has no doubt of Smith’s ability to attain her end goal, of becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner, noting motivation, maturity, and conscientiousness beyond her age as essential contributors to her future success.

Webber, a Kennebunk resident and 2023 graduate of Kennebunk High School, is now a freshman in the pre-medical program at Thomas Jefferson University. Before heading south to Philadelphia, Penn., Webber was a student volunteer in York Hospital’s Emergency Department (ED).

Academically, Webber challenged herself with rigorous coursework including honors, advanced placement, college courses, and an international baccalaureate program, receiving high honors throughout her four years. She was also a member of the Student Council and the Yearbook Club. Cami’s activities outside of school influenced her decision to explore a future in health care. She volunteered with Partners for World Health organizing the shipments of medical supplies to countries in need, and lent her time to Child Care services, Lucky Pup Rescue, and the Animal Welfare Society. Webber’s family created their own “Kindness Day” each February break, to collectively support their community through food, clothing, and flower drives.

York Hospital’s ED team was fortunate to receive some of Webber’s energy as well. As a volunteer, Webber visited patients and family members offering comfort and communicating concerns to ED staff. She also performed more hands-on ED tasks, from offering warm blankets and refreshments, escorts to other service areas, changing over rooms, delivering lab bloodwork, to snapping and folding johnnies. The ED’s nursing director was delighted with Webber’s combination of high energy and genuine eagerness to learn and help, along with her calm and focused demeanor, regardless of the situation. She believes that Webber’s pursuit of a career as a physician assistant is well-chosen and will lead to a life of happiness and success.

York Hospital’s patients and staff are fortunate to have benefited from Smith and Webber’s hard work and compassion, attributes that will continue to serve them as they pursue their academic and professional goals.

For more information about volunteering at York Hospital and the Carroll Family & Michael C. Rossiter Scholarship, contact Director of Volunteer & Student Experiences, Kate Ford at kford@yorkhospital.com or 207-351-2224, or visit https://www.yorkhospital.com/volunteers-and-students/.

David Krempels Brain Injury Center receives transformational $250,000 bequest

Attorney Robert Casassa (third from left) delivered the funds to KBIC on September 25th 2023 and was received by Executive Director Renee Couture (second from left) and board members (left and right) Chuck Champagne and Gary Barr.
Attorney Robert Casassa (third from left) delivered the funds to KBIC on September 25th 2023 and was received by Executive Director Renee Couture (second from left) and board members (left and right) Chuck Champagne and Gary Barr.

PORTSMOUTH — In a remarkable testament to the enduring spirit of community support, David Krempels Brain Injury Center announced the reception of a generous $250,000 bequest from the late and greatly esteemed local philanthropist, Jo Lamprey. This substantial unrestricted contribution vividly exemplifies the profound faith and trust she vested in KBIC, serving as a poignant reminder of the unwavering dedication of individuals like Jo to the organization's mission.

KBIC offers both in-person and virtual programming to survivors of acquired brain injury. Lamprey's exceptional generosity empowers us to enhance our efforts and extend our impact, ensuring that more people can benefit from our crucial programs and services. For example, annually KBIC covers over $200,000 in membership fees through its scholarship program which ensures all in need can participate regardless of ability to pay. Additionally, this gift arrives at a critical moment, coinciding with KBIC's third and most active year of an ambitious strategic plan.

"Words cannot express our gratitude for this extraordinary gift from Jo," said Renee Couture, Executive Director of KBIC. "This bequest is a testament to Jo’s unwavering belief in our mission and will have a profound and lasting impact within our community and for the survivors of brain injury we serve. We are deeply honored to be the recipients of such a transformative gift."

KBIC extends its heartfelt appreciation to Jo for her extraordinary commitment to its cause and so many others around New Hampshire. KBIC invites the community to join in celebrating this remarkable act of philanthropy, which exemplifies the spirit of giving that defines our community, and ensures KBIC will continue to achieve our mission, so ABI survivors are able to live their best lives after brain injury.

For more information about KBIC and its mission, please visit www.kbicenter.org.

Dartmouth Health neuropsychologist elected board president of Brain Injury Association of New Hampshire

Jonathan D. Lichtenstein, PsyD, MBA, director of neuropsychological services at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, has been elected the next president of the board of directors for the Brain Injury Association of New Hampshire.
Jonathan D. Lichtenstein, PsyD, MBA, director of neuropsychological services at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, has been elected the next president of the board of directors for the Brain Injury Association of New Hampshire.

LEBANON – Jonathan D. Lichtenstein, PsyD, MBA, director of neuropsychological services at Dartmouth Health’s Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, has been elected the next president of the board of directors for the Brain Injury Association of New Hampshire (BIANH). Lichtenstein has been on BIANH’s board since 2019.

“As president of BIANH, my goal is to be a good steward for this organization that already does such incredible work,” Lichtenstein said. “I’m deeply honored to be chosen to lead the board and look forward to accomplishing a lot with the entire BIANH team during my term.”

Lichtenstein holds assistant professorships in psychiatry, pediatrics, and at The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice at Dartmouth’s Geisel School of Medicine. His priorities during his term include improving pediatric brain injury systems, supporting families and caregivers, and boosting what BIANH is able to offer to the New Hampshire brain injury community, in addition to supporting staff and other members of the board, obtaining strategic funding, and building community partnerships.

“BIANH has been privileged to have had a close working relationship with Dr. Lichtenstein for many years,” said Steve Wade, executive director of BIANH. “We are extremely fortunate to have him in this new role as board president of BIANH.”

BIANH is the only statewide organization in New Hampshire dedicated to brain injury and stroke support, prevention, education, and advocacy for survivors and caregivers. Each year, the association helps over 1,000 Granite Staters who have sustained numerous forms of acquired brain injuries.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Free flu clinic, KBIC receives transformational bequest: Seacoast health news