ROCKLAND — Rockland City Councilor Penny York is helping the 2024 RDNA “Doughnators” fill their Rose Hip basket in support of community nursing. She is donating $1,000 from her annual City Councilor stipend, with a $1,000 charitable giving match from her employer, Bank of America. Doughnators are individuals, businesses, groups, friends and family supporting the essential, non-acute, in-home nursing services provided by RDNA.

“I have witnessed the importance of the nursing visits that RDNA provides first hand,” said Councilor York, in an RDNA news release. “Not only did my own grandmother receive care, advocacy, and medical insight, she received a lifeline. She was able to stay in the comfort of her own home, and establish a relationship with someone who truly cared for her safety and well-being. I'll always be grateful to RDNA for making that possible.”

After 95 years, district nursing is alive and well in the Rockland area, said RDNA. Once ubiquitous, RDNA is today one of three remaining district nursing agencies in the State of Maine. 

“Above all else, this local support and awareness, this acknowledgement from Penny, is what keeps us strong decade after decade,” RDNA Agency Director Peta vanVuuren said.

RDNA nurses visit residents living independently, predominantly seniors and medically vulnerable neighbors. The agency does not receive Medicare, MaineCare or insurance reimbursements, relying on community donations for the largest source of operating income.

For more information about RDNA, the 2024 Rose Hip Basket Social and how to become a Doughnator, visit www.rocklanddistrictnursing.org. RDNA is a 501(c)(3) organization.