Letter to the editor: Ann Beebe-Center a responsible, knowledgeable representative in Augusta
I am writing to support Pinny Beebe-Center’s run for the State Representative for Rockland. I am a psychiatric NP who has worked with Pinny on healthcare needs in our community and on the present epidemic of addiction, accountable for numerous overdoses.
I met Pinny through our work at the Knox County Community Health Coalition. We were both on the Steering Committee for improving access to quality, affordable healthcare. We also worked together on the Mental Health and Addiction Recovery Advisory Group. She has been a key person in educating, involving and creating access to treatment for opiate addiction. We now have far more treatment options available then when I first moved here 9 years ago. Recovery has a strong foothold in this community. Pinny’s voice and leadership have promoted this effort. Pinny will continue to educate, support and legislate bills focusing on education, prevention, treatment and recovery for addiction.
I am a volunteer at the Knox County Clinic which provides healthcare to the uninsured. Pinny has been actively involved in the effort to provide a safety net for all members of the community. The ability to help in a crisis and create a sustainable way to support this is one of her core themes. She has worked creating fair budgets that don’t increase property taxes, assuring home buying is possible for young people, the middle class and seniors.
It has been a rewarding and valuable experience for me to have worked with Pinny Beebe-Center. I hope to continue work with her on other relevant healthcare issues. She is present at community meetings; listening, sharing her ideas and creating solutions for the people of this area. She is committed to being a responsible, knowledgeable participant in representing Rockland in Augusta.
Elizabeth Drury lives in Rockland.