Contact: Megan Penny
603-356-5461 x2264
megan.lieberman@mainehealth.org
NORTH CONWAY, NH - With news about coronavirus, relief packages and vaccines dominating daily conversations, issues such as the opioid epidemic were moved to the background. Also fading from view are the many programs and services that continue to address these health challenges.
Memorial Hospital’s A New Life program adapted during the pandemic and continues to help pregnant women move on from opioid misuse. The program ensures that women receive prenatal care and physician pharmacologic management of opioid dependence to ensure their health. Women enrolled in the program also receive services to support them on their journey to recovery and to becoming the best parents they can be.
“The pandemic, with all its challenges, does afford opportunities to rethink programs and their operations,” said Lawrence Carbonaro, Senior Director of Operations at Memorial Hospital. “During this time, we were able to reimagine the A New Life program and discover ways to improve the services to the women who are enrolled.”
Through A New Life, complementary therapies are provided to support mental health, provide pregnancy education, and offer case management services. Group counseling sessions build peer
As with every organization, 2020 brought new challenges to Memorial Hospital and its A New Life program due to the pandemic. Providers continued medication-assisted treatment, prenatal and maternal care and counsel to women enrolled in the program. Group activities and socialization, though were suspended at first before moving to virtual delivery.
To address those challenges, Memorial hired a coordinator dedicated to the A New Life program.
“We hired Nicole Jackson, Registered Nurse, to be our A New Life Coordinator,” explains Carbonaro. “Jackson is experienced in obstetrics. She will focus on the needs of the women, manage the A New Life program and do outreach.” These functions were previously managed part-time by multiple people with multiple jobs and levels of experience. “This move will improve the efficiency of the program while also providing a consistent experience for the women in the program.”
Approximately 40 women and their families have been helped through A New Life. While this number is not huge, Jackson says, “The impact on lives and communities has been profound. Women have found a judgment-free program where they feel supported. They have been able to move on, and become successful mothers, members of healthy families and contributing community members.”
Carbonaro shared the words of a past participant. “Not only has this program provided me a safe way to get off drugs, but it has given me a whole new outlook on life. I realize now I am not alone in my struggle and that my past doesn’t define who I am or who I can become. I have found a type of support in this program which I thought was impossible.”
The program is supported by donors including major support from the Thomas D. Shaffner Charitable Foundation. A local resident who helped manage and grow Dearborn Tubular Products in Fryeburg, Tom Shaffner passed away in October of 2016 but left a legacy of support through his foundation which supports drug and alcohol recovery services among other programs.
Women who are interested in enrolling in the program are encouraged to contact Women’s Health at 603-356-9355. Additional information can be found at memorialhospitalnh.org/newlife
Those interested in supporting A New Life, can visit memorialhospitalnh.org/ways-to-give.
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About Memorial Hospital
Memorial Hospital is a not-for-profit 25-bed Critical Access Hospital located in North Conway, NH, and is a member of the MaineHealth family. Its hospital services include a 24-hour emergency department, surgery center, clinical laboratory, heart health & wellness programs, imaging services, cardiopulmonary care, family birthing center, oncology, chemotherapy and infusion services. Practices include primary care and family medicine, diabetes care, behavioral health, women's health, podiatry, orthopedics and physical therapy. Memorial Hospital is also home to The Merriman House nursing home, which provides senior care services in a comfortable, home-like setting. For more information, www.memorialhospitalnh.org or call 603-356-5461.