FORT KENT – Officials with the Northern Maine Medical Center have announced their pledge of $10,000 to the Aroostook Partnership for Progress (APP), a private-public economic development partnership created to stimulate the economy of Aroostook County.

Martin Bernstein, NMMC president, indicated the company’s full endorsement and support of the Partnership’s initiatives by stating that the northern Maine health care provider is very pleased to join with the Aroostook Partnership for Progress as a partner and member of the initiative.

“We understand the Partnership’s mission and are impressed with what we have seen so far,” said Bernstein. “The economic vitality of northern Maine is important to not only the region but also to our business. The success of APP has the potential to positively impact our medical center and so it makes sense for us to be actively involved with the Partnership. We view our commitment as a strategic investment and look forward to a long and productive relationship.”

The investment of Northern Maine Medical Center was acknowledged by APP members at the organization’s recent Board meeting in Caribou. Larry Shaw, APP’s chairperson said, “we are pleased to have NMMC express their confidence in APP by investing in the Partnership and look forward to working with Mr. Marty Bernstein in the years a head.”

NMMC is a modern, fully accredited, 49-bed acute care facility offering complete obstetric, surgical, psychiatric, pediatric, and general medical services. The center also provides a state-of-the-art equipped 4-bed Special Care Unit for critically ill patients. Formerly called Peoples Benevolent Hospital, its first section was opened in 1952 with an addition in 1971. The dedicated Catholic Order of Sisters, "Les Petites Franciscaines de Marie," managed the hospital from its inception to 1975 when it became a public community hospital.

APP’s goals encompass a commitment to enhancing northern Maine’s economy by increasing business and investment activity, attracting new jobs, reversing out-migration trends and focusing on increased economic development accountability and leadership. For Partnership information call 207-498-8731 or e-mail the organization at welish@APPme.org