FARMINGTON — A former University of Maine at Farmington professor of health education was presented the annual Community Health Leadership Award on Monday during Franklin Community Health Network’s annual meeting.

Peter C. Doran of  Belgrade came to UMF in 1971 “to spend a year to develop programs in rehabilitation services, but stayed another 25 years as a professor of health education,” according to the award proclamation.

Joseph Bujold, president of the board of directors, and Gerald Cayer, the network’s executive vice president, presented the award to Doran, who thought he was only attending a meeting at the hospital.

“Doran gave selflessly, worked diligently and cared deeply about the health of others,” Cayer said.

The award is given to unsung heroes concerned with the health of members of the community and those who try to achieve the greatest health potential, Cayer said.

He credited Doran and his like-minded colleagues for helping to develop health education a generation ago.

According to the award proclamation, Doran and his wife, Lois, were credited with starting a campaign to create the Belgrade Regional Health Center that opened in 1977. The nonprofit facility serves patients regardless of their ability to pay.

During his years at UMF, Doran “placed thousands of UMF students in the health education and rehabilitation services’ program in full-time internships with Maine health agencies,” Cayer read.

These often led to full-time positions for the students.

Doran earned a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from Colby College, a masters degree in clinical psychology and a doctorate degree in health education.

He has served on many community boards, including the American Lung Association of Maine, Maine Lead Poisoning Prevention Fund Advisory Council, Maine Asthma Council, Maine Indoor Air Quality Council Board and others, Cayer said.

About 50 community members, hospital staff and directors attended Monday’s annual meeting for the Franklin Community Health Network.

Four directors whose terms have expired were recognized, including Jeff Howell, Doug Walrath, Waine Whittier and Tim Wallace.

Four new directors will join the board — John Bogar, Darryl Wood, Michael Cormier and Christine Tropeano, Bujold said.

Prior to the presentation, Rebecca Ryder, president and chief executive officer, reported on the achievements and challenges faced by the health organization this year.

“Massive changes are sweeping across health care,” she said. “The board has a plan and is working on it. We are devoted to making this place thrive.”

The organization is facing the first big challenge in its history — an $8 million operating loss, which was addressed quickly, she said.

“We’re nimble,” she said. “We can make changes quickly.”

abryant@sunjournal.com

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