Area agencies that provide in-home services will participate.

FARMINGTON – A conference on home visiting will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, May 14, at St. Joseph’s Church on the corner of Middle and Quebec streets.

The forum entitled, House Calls, is to improve outreach to the community, assess needs or gaps in services and find ways to inform people in the area about available assistance. The conference is sponsored by the Parish Nurse Council of Western Maine, Mission at the Eastward and the Healthy Community Coalition.

Area agencies that provide in-home services have been surveyed and will participate, so the meeting will also enable them to share ideas on how best to serve area residents.

The Rev. Scott Planting, pastor of the Fairbanks Presbyterian Church will facilitate the event. Featured speakers are Terry Cronin, Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice; Betsy Riley; Dr. Christopher Smith, M.D., Kingfield Family Practice; Lisa Thrasher, hospice nurse; and Pat Matulaitis, community health advocate, who will relate personal stories on the impact of home visitors.

The afternoon session will consist of group discussions and formation of some action plans to improve outreach, especially to those who do no know what is available to them. Leah Binder, HCC executive director, will facilitate the action plan wrap-up.

There is no charge for the “House Calls” conference and lunch will be provided.

Those wishing to attend may reserve by Wednesday, May 12, with Eileen Liddy from the Healthy Community Coalition at 645-3136 or 1-800-525-3136.

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