As the uncertainty in our nation’s healthcare system persists, we continue to see challenges in healthcare delivery at the local level. I would like to share our view of the current healthcare landscape and what it means for our community.

Nationally and locally, we are seeing disruptive competition and an increase in for-profit healthcare services. The influx of duplicated services and diversion of patients away from our region for further medical care does not help local people; it drives up overall costs in communities our size. The new businesses and services being introduced in this region are already being offered by your local non-profit health system, with better quality and at lower cost.

For the past decade, Mid Coast–Parkview Health has been focused on integrating care, reducing costs for the community, promoting wellness, and providing necessary medical care even when we are not reimbursed.

The integration of Mid Coast Health Services and Parkview Adventist Medical Center in 2015 saves our community more than $8 million annually through collaboration and consolidation. The subsequent renovation of the Parkview Campus was completed ahead of schedule. In addition to a comprehensive cancer center, we added a brand new Center for Community Health & Wellness, which offers quality health information, education, and resources to help with preventing and managing chronic disease. This campus also features a new eightprovider primary care practice that improves access for patients to receive ongoing routine care.

As a local not-for-profit organization, Mid Coast–Parkview Health understands that healthcare is a community service much like our local schools, fire departments, police, and emergency responders. We are holding true on our commitment to ensure access to high-quality affordable care in our community, with overall hospital costs 30 percent lower than the statewide average.

From full-service emergency to nationally certified stroke care and maternity care to hospice, Mid Coast–Parkview Health has become our community’s healthcare safety net. Clinically affiliated with Maine- Health and Maine Medical Center, we provide aroundthe clock access to high-quality care for everyone, including those unable to pay. In fact, we continue to see unprecedented growth in uncompensated expenses. Last year alone, we provided more than $20 million of uncompensated care to family, friends, and neighbors — an amount which has more than doubled in the past five years.

Caring for the health of our community is our mission and remains at the forefront of everything we do. We are very excited about our recently published Community Benefit & Financial Impact Report, which illustrates Mid Coast–Parkview Health’s commitment to quality of life and the financial integrity of our community. I invite you to learn more at midcoastparkviewhealth.com/yourhealth is-our-mission.

Mid Coast–Parkview Health is your local healthcare system and we thank you for your continued support.

Lois Skillings is the president and CEO of Mid Coast–Parkview Health.