MaineGeneral Health’s mission to enhance the health of the people of the community extends well beyond the walls of its facilities. As a decades-long supporter of United Way programs, MaineGeneral and its staff will contribute a total of $51,731 to improve the well-being of local people this year.

“As the largest private employer in the Kennebec Valley, MaineGeneral Health and its employees take very seriously our leadership role in supporting those most in need in our communities,” said Chuck Hays, President & CEO of MaineGeneral Health. “Our employees work hard every day to improve the lives of our patients, family and friends. Supporting the United Way of Kennebec Valley is a natural extension of the caring and compassion we bring to giving the best care possible.”

Through a corporate gift and donations from many generous employees, MaineGeneral establishes itself as one of United Way’s 12 Cornerstone Partners, which collectively make up more than 45 percent of UWKV’s annual campaign.

MaineGeneral Health is an integrated, not-for-profit health care system that provides a wide range of services throughout Kennebec Valley. MaineGeneral opened a 192-bed, state-of-the-art hospital—the Alfond Center for Health—in Augusta in 2013. In 2014, MaineGeneral completed renovations to transform its Waterville Campus, the Thayer Center for Health, into a comprehensive outpatient center. The health care system includes a regional cancer center; primary care and specialty physician practices; long-term care facilities; rehabilitation; home health care and hospice services; specialized care for people with memory loss; community outreach programs; and retirement living options.

MaineGeneral staff have a long history of serving on United Way’s board, including current Board Vice Chair David Gant, the hospital’s manager of Spiritual Care and Counseling. Chuck Hays and his wife Maria, a professor at the University of Maine at Augusta, are serving as United Way’s 2017 Campaign Chairs, committing leadership, time and support to mobilize the caring power of our community. Each year, several hospital employees also participate in United Way’s Allocations Committee to apportion funds to programs that address basic needs, financial stability, health and education.

The health care system generously supports all of United Way’s initiatives, including the Augusta Community Warming Center, a program that provides a safe, warm place for people to escape from the cold in winter months. MaineGeneral also collects food for United Way’s Food Pantry Project and supports the Day of Caring student volunteer program.

Beyond United Way, MaineGeneral forms strong partnerships with other area nonprofits to improve the well-being of people of the Kennebec Valley and the economic vitality of the region. These partnerships are essential to meet MaineGeneral’s overall mission of enhancing, every day, the health of the people of the community.

For more information about MaineGeneral Health, visit mainegeneral.org. To learn more about becoming a corporate partner with United Way, visit uwkv.org or call 207-626-3400.