FARMINGTON – Franklin Community Health Network invites interested members of the community to become an FCHN corporator and share in its governance.

The network is a locally controlled not-for-profit network of rural healthcare providers that integrates medicine, health education and community involvement in the greater Franklin County region.

It includes Franklin Memorial Hospital, Evergreen Behavioral Services, Pine Tree Medical Associates, NorthStar EMS and the Healthy Community Coalition.

As a corporator, one’s main obligation is to attend the annual meeting from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 24, in the Bass Room at Franklin Memorial Hospital. Corporators will elect new members of the network and affiliate boards, vote on bylaw changes and receive an annual report. The annual Community Health Leadership Award will be presented to a deserving member of the community.

Richard Batt, president of Franklin Community Health Network, will give a presentation, as will John Bogar, chairman of the board, and Dr. Stephen Zanella, president of the Franklin Memorial Hospital medical staff, regarding the network’s progress, difficulties being faced and plans and goals for the next year.

“This is a very challenging time for health providers throughout Maine and the country,” said Batt. “We will discuss the challenges and issues that affect the FCHN system and celebrate our many accomplishments and the good work we do each day.”

To be eligible to be a corporator, one must be registered to vote or pay taxes in one of the towns in the network’s service area. There is no fee.

“Additionally, inquiries from community members who are interested in serving on an FCHN committee or board are always welcome,” added Batt. Committees include finance, quality, ethics, long-range planning and NorthStar EMS.

Interested people should contact Mandy Luce, assistant to the FCHN president, at 779-2265 before Sept. 1, or register on-line at www.fchn.org.