ROCKPORT and BELFAST — The Community Health team at Pen Bay Medical Center and Waldo County General Hospital announce the addition of Community Health Worker (CHW) Adi Govinda Dasa.

Dasa joins the growing CHW team at Pen Bay and Waldo. The program is designed to help community members who have historically faced barriers to accessing health care, such as lack of transportation or insurance, or discomfort with navigating the medical system. In his new position, Dasa will travel out into the community, working with clients throughout Knox County to connect them with resources to manage their health.

“Adi is a great addition to our CHW team because of his calm, empathetic and holistic approach to working with individuals,” said Jemma Penberthy, director of Community Health for Pen Bay and Waldo, in a news release. “His desire to help his community shines through any interaction with him and we are excited he is part of our team.”

The CHW program is provided at no cost to patients and allows CHWs to work with clients for a period of three months. Together, they set health goals and overcome challenges, from navigating new medical diagnoses or identifying sustainable transportation options to applying for SNAP benefits or learning to cook meals at home.

Dasa has over 13 years’ experience in holistic health. He has a master’s in Ayurveda from Maharisi International University and a bachelor’s in alternative medicine from Everglades University in Altamonte, Florida.

“This role is a great way to be of service to those in our community,” Adi said. “I am very passionate about healthcare and am excited to apply my education to help make our communities the healthiest in America.”

The CHW program is open to patients 18+ who live in Knox or Waldo counties. Patients are referred through providers and community partners, including food pantries and soup kitchens, schools, shelters and CAP agencies. Community members can also reach out to the program directly using Mainehealth.findhelp.com.

The hospitals are looking to hire additional CHWs to help meet the needs of their communities. For more information about the position, or to apply, click here.

About Pen Bay Medical Center

Pen Bay Medical Center is part of MaineHealth, a not-for-profit integrated health system consisting of eight local hospital systems, a comprehensive behavioral healthcare network, diagnostic services, home health agencies, and more than 1,600 employed and independent physicians working together through an Accountable Care Organization. With more than 19,000 employees, MaineHealth is the largest health system in northern New England and provides preventive care, diagnosis and treatment to 1.1 million residents in Maine and New Hampshire. For more information, please visit pbmc.org.

Waldo County General Hospital

Waldo County General Hospital is part of MaineHealth, a not-for-profit integrated health system consisting of eight local hospital systems, a comprehensive behavioral healthcare network, diagnostic services, home health agencies, and more than 1,600 employed and independent physicians working together through an Accountable Care Organization. With more than 19,000 employees, MaineHealth is the largest health system in northern New England and provides preventive care, diagnosis and treatment to 1.1 million residents in Maine and New Hampshire. For more information, please visit wcgh.org.