Press Release

Release Date: October 6, 2008
HRCHC Contact: Communications Department
Telephone: (207) 861-3466
Email: Communications@HealthReach.org

Barbara Lajoie, RDH joins Strong Area Health Center

STRONG – Barbara Lajoie, RDH will be joining the dental staff of Strong Area Health Center in October 2008. She brings 35 years of experience as a Maine dental hygienist.

“I am excited to be joining the practice,” says Lajoie. “It will be wonderful to be working in a facility that provides dental services to people of all ages and backgrounds, as well as family-centered medical care.”

Lajoie received her Associate of Science degree in Dental Hygiene from Westbrook College in 1972. She has also completed courses towards a Bachelor of Science Degree in Professional Studies from Thomas College and ongoing Dental Continuing Education programs.

Lajoie joins Amy Alexcovich, dentist and Sharon Smith-Bouchard, hygienist who provide oral health services at Strong Area Dental Center. In addition, Ann Schwink, physician and Madelyn Besse and Ellen Newton, physician assistants provide healthcare at the practice. Almost 2,000 area residents from Avon, New Vineyard, Phillips, Strong and other towns in Franklin County utilize the community health center each year.

Strong Area Health Center is a practice of HealthReach Community Health Centers, a system of eleven federally qualified health centers in Central and Western Maine. Dedicated providers deliver first-class healthcare to citizens in over 80 rural communities. To ensure access for everyone, HealthReach accepts Medicare, MaineCare, major insurances and offers an Affordable Care Program based on family size and income to uninsured and underinsured residents. A private, non-profit organization with a 30-year history, HealthReach is funded by patient fees, grants and individual donations.