LEWISTON — 2016 marks a milestone in Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice’s history – the agency is celebrating 50 years of services to residents in Maine.

In 1966, AHCH started with one nurse, an aide and an office support person and today, AHCH employs over 400 people with over 280 volunteers serving 122 cities, towns and townships throughout the service area.

The agency began with home care services for the chronically ill and now they offer home care, hospice care, supportive care, telehealth monitoring, a community care team and several specialty services. In 2015, AHCH served over 8,700 patients, providing 244,474 visits and $1.35 million in subsidized care.

Throughout the year, events are being planned to celebrate the 50th anniversary. A committee was formed to organize the events and is made up of employees, leadership team, board members, volunteers and community partners.

“I’m so excited to be a part of the AHCH organization,” said Cathy McDonald, volunteer and co-chairwoman of the Anniversary Committee. “What an exceptional group of staff and volunteers. Celebrating 50 years in our community is quite a milestone and how fortunate we are as a community to have AHCH here.”

The first event will be held on Thursday, April 7, at Bedard Pharmacy. More events are being planned throughout the AHCH service area.

FMI or to help: www.ahch.org or narketing and development, 207-777-7740, ext. 1407.