Connie Sandstrom, Board chair for Eastern Maine HomeCare d/b/a Visiting Nurses of Aroostook (EMHC/VNA), and Saundra Scott-Adams, executive vice president for EMHC/VNA, were recognized for outstanding leadership at the Home Care & Hospice Alliance of Maine’s annual meeting on Sept. 20 at the Hilton Inn in Freeport.
Photo courtesy of Deb Jacques
Connie Sandstrom, Board chair for Eastern Maine HomeCare d/b/a Visiting Nurses of Aroostook (EMHC/VNA), and Saundra Scott-Adams, executive vice president EMHC/VNA, were recently honored by the Home Care & Hospice Alliance of Maine at its annual meeting in September.
The Board Member of the Year Award is presented to a board member of an Alliance member agency to recognize committed and dedicated service. Connie has served on the Board of Visiting Nurses of Aroostook since 1998, while also serving on various committees. She was on the Board when the agency reorganized and subsequently affiliated with The Aroostook Medical Center following the devastation of the Balanced Budget Act and more recently when the agency formed a merger creating Eastern Maine HomeCare. Connie has had to make tough decisions during significant home care changes over the past nine years. In addition to her work on the Visiting Nurses of Aroostook Board of Directors, Connie participates in several community service organizations. Her participation has helped provide visibility for home care and hospice in Aroostook County. Her years of community service has benefited many people and groups and earned her the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Presque Isle Chamber of Commerce.
Saundra Scott-Adams, executive vice president of EMHC/VNA, received the Distinguished Service Leadership Award. It is presented to an employee of an Alliance member agency who consistently demonstrates outstanding leadership, performance and expertise in the provision of home care or hospice services and participates in professional activities or community affairs.
Saundra took on the monumental task of bringing together five unique home health agencies and three hospices under one corporation. The transition began on January 1, 2006, with months of planning prior to that. The reorganization continues to require many levels of planning, organization and tact. She has orchestrated this transition with skill, ability and humor, not to mention many, many miles of travel. Saundra is regarded by her peers as a forward thinker initiating efforts related to technology and often seeking grants to support projects. She participates in local community service organizations and at the state level as an advocate for home care and hospice issues.
“I have worked with both of these women for many years and they are most deserving of this recognition,” said David Peterson, president/CEO of The Aroostook Medical Center and Eastern Maine HomeCare. “Connie and Saundra work well together and continue to successfully manage the pressures of the home care and hospice environment. Their focus continues to be access to care for patients and families, and I am proud of the hard work and effort they put into making sure these vital services remain available to Aroostook County people and beyond.”
Eastern Maine HomeCare provides home health services in northern, eastern and central Maine. As a member of EMHS, staff works to ensure the highest quality care is available to all who need it, especially those in rural Maine.
