Dear Editor:

In 2005 I moved to the Boothbay peninsula and began working in the St. Andrews Hopsital ER. It was the best job of my entire medical career, especially rewarding because of all the wonderful people I met while working there. This included patients, their family members, and the large collection of people who provide the safety net in our community. That is our police, EMS providers, hospital personnel, and medical professionals. Working closely with them, I was able to provide better care for patients. It helped me understand and address the individual medical and social needs of patients. Care for all patients is not just about making a diagnosis. What happened before and after the ER visit was often more inmportant in their outcome.

Holly Stover was principle example of that safety net, as the community co-ordinator. She helped those patients who were without medical insurance, transportation, housing, and finances for food and medication. The limited resources I had in the ER would have prevented my helping them if all I provided was a diagnosis or initial treatment. She was an essential part of healthcare for many people without advocates and resources. I was inspired by her knowledge and dedication to her clients. She has also been outstanding in her voluntary efforts to help people with opioid addiction. These are just a few examples of her many good deeds.

We have an opportunity to re-elect her to Maine House Disitrict 89, a role she has done well. No person is better qualified to serve us all in government, especially during this pandemic that has exposed how vulnerable we all are to this virus and medical system inadequacies. I trust Holly and know she will help all her constituents because of her wisdom, experience, and compassion.

Stephen Cook, MD

East Boothbay