PORTLAND (AP) – The star of the former hit TV series “Leave It to Beaver” is coming to Maine to promote diabetes awareness in a program sponsored by the pharmaceutical industry to help uninsured and financially strapped patients gain access to prescription medicines.

Jerry Mathers, who has diabetes, will stop Tuesday at Nicky’s Diner in Bangor and Simones’ Hot Dog Stand in Lewiston as part of the “Help is Here Express” bus tour.

Mathers also plans to visit Fort Kent, Presque Isle and Houlton on Monday.

The nationwide program is designed to call attention to the rising rate of chronic disease in the U.S. and the patient assistance programs that can provide free or nearly free drugs to the needy.