Congratulations to the newest Marion Joy Morse Scholarship award recipients from the MDIHS class of 2026! They are Lauren Donnell, Willa Dow, Lillian Norwood, Charlotte Stanley, Pixie Urquhart-Asbury, and Luna Wilhelm. Each recipient will receive a scholarship award of $3,500 after successfully completing their first semester of college.

Established to invest in the next generation of medical professionals, the Marion Joy Morse Scholarship provides financial assistance to students from Mount Desert Island, studying in a medical field, helping them achieve their educational goals while preparing to serve their communities. It was created in 1972 by Barbara Ellen Joy, who named it the Marion Joy Morse Scholarship to honor her mother who was the first President of the MDI Health Auxiliary. Since 2025, it has been managed by the Maine Community Foundation in collaboration with the MDI Health Auxiliary scholarship committee chaired by Debbie Dyer who has overseen the program since its inception.

Eligible applicants must either have been born on Mount Desert Island or have attended a school located on Mount Desert Island. The scholarship is available to students pursuing a wide range of healthcare-related educational paths. Students who remain in school may apply to have their scholarship renewed, the program thus providing ongoing support throughout a student`s educational journey. Awarded amounts vary with the number of successful applicants and their academic progress.

The scholarship has long been supported by the Mount Desert Island Health Auxiliary, whose members are dedicated to strengthening healthcare on Mount Desert Island through volunteerism, fundraising, and educational support. Over the years, the Auxiliary has helped talented local students pursue careers in nursing, medicine, allied health professions, and other healthcare fields through the Marion Joy Morse Scholarship Fund.

Read more about the Marion Joy Morse Scholarship and view additional photos at: https://www.mdihospital.org/featured/marion-joy-morse-scholarship/ ...

Did you know that prediabetes often has no symptoms, yet it affects millions of adults? The good news is that type 2 diabetes can often be prevented or delayed through healthy lifestyle changes. 📈💙

MDI Health`s PreventT2 program is a CDC-recognized lifestyle change program designed to help individuals at risk for type 2 diabetes build healthy habits that last. Participants work with a trained lifestyle coach, receive support from others with similar goals, and learn practical strategies for healthy eating, physical activity, stress management, and long-term success.

Research has shown that modest lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. If you`ve been told you have prediabetes or are at increased risk, now is a great time to take action.

Our next PreventT2 session begins September 24th. To learn more or register, visit https://www.mdihospital.org/service-at-mdi-hospital/diabetes-prevention-program-homepage/ or contact Mary Parham at 207.801.5034 or mary.parham@mdihospital.org. 🔗 ...

Maine tick season is upon us - be aware of the signs and symptoms and talk to your primary care office if you exhibit any symptoms or are concerned about a bite.

While Lyme Disease is the most well known illness that causes the bullseye rash, chills and fever, joint and muscle pain, among others - Anaplasmosis and Babesiosis also cause things like fever, headaches, sweats, chills, and breathing issues. Read more about specific symptoms on our website, here: https://www.mdihospital.org/news/maine-tick-season-alert-protect-yourself/ ...

We at MDI Health want to take a moment to thank the brave men and women who gave their lives while serving our country. We remember their sacrifice with gratitude and respect.

While this weekend marks the unofficial start of summer and our busy season on Mount Desert Island, we pause to reflect on the true meaning of Memorial Day and the lives we honor.

Thank you to all who have served, and especially to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Wishing everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial Day with family and friends. ...

For island local Owen Mild, the path to medical school didn’t begin in a hospital, it began in the classroom. With both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in kinesiology from University of Maine, along with pre-med minors, Owen built a strong academic foundation. What he didn’t have, at least at first, was clinical experience.

That changed when he returned home to Mount Desert Island as a Medical Assistant. Working as a medical assistant at MDI Health at both Cadillac Family Practice and Community Health Center, Owen quickly found himself immersed in the realities of patient care. Beyond the clinical skills, he gained something just as valuable: perspective.

“It’s not just the time with patients,” he explains. “It’s everything behind the scenes, how the health centers operate, how teams communicate, and how decisions are made. Working not only with medical staff but with ancillary staff is incredibly important while learning, and I’m so grateful for their guidance. Not every place gives you that kind of exposure.”

Now, Owen is taking the next step. He has already been accepted into medical school and is weighing his options, including schools in the state, and farther away. Wherever he lands, his path forward is clear.

“I do plan on coming back to Maine,” he says. “Whether it’s here at MDI or somewhere else in the state, I’d love to be part of this kind of community again.”

Looking back, Owen says what stands out most isn’t just what he learned, it’s how he learned it.

“Everyone here is willing to help. It’s a truly supportive environment, and that’s something special,” he says. “Across the hospital and the health centers, people work together and keep patients at the center of everything they do. You don’t find that everywhere.”

Read the full story on our website: https://www.mdihospital.org/featured/from-mount-desert-island-to-medical-school-owen-milds-journey-begins-at-home/ ...

May is Oncology Nurses Month! The 2026 theme, Oncology Nurses: Growing Hope, Inspiring Strength, honors the vital role every oncology nurse plays in helping hope flourish during life`s most challenging moments. Oncology nurses provide strength that inspires patients, families, and colleagues as they cross through every stage of cancer care.

Our Nurses in our Oncology Department live our mission every day as compassionate caregivers who are a vital part of our community and organization. Thank you for everything you do for our patients and their families! 🌻🏥 ...

MDI Health’s Mount Desert Island Hospital has earned a five-star patient recommendation rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the agency’s highest distinction for patient willingness to recommend a hospital to friends and family.

Out of thousands of hospitals across the country, only 765 earned the distinction this year, just 18 more than in 2025, highlighting how selective the recognition is. MDI Hospital is one of only 11 hospitals in Maine to make the list and the only hospital in the Downeast region to receive the honor.

“This recognition is a direct reflection of our commitment to our community and the dedication, compassion, and professionalism of our entire team,” said MDI Health President and CEO Chrissi Maguire. “For our patients to say they would recommend MDI Hospital to their friends and family is one of the highest honors we can receive. We are deeply proud to represent Mount Desert Island and our region on this national list and grateful for the trust our community places in us every day.”

As a critical access hospital, MDI Hospital serves patients who often cannot easily travel to larger urban medical centers. Earning a national five-star recommendation rating alongside major health systems and academic hospitals underscores the organization’s ability to provide exceptional patient-centered care while remaining deeply connected to the community it serves.

Visit our website to read the full story: https://www.mdihospital.org/featured/mdi-hospital-named-among-nations-most-recommended-hospitals-by-patients/ ...

💙🧡 Stories like this are a powerful reminder of the impact educational scholarships can have within our healthcare community...

Crystal Roberts, NUA in the Emergency Department, shared how receiving the very first scholarship award helped support both her education and her family’s future. Crystal is currently pursuing her BSN at the University of Maine at Augusta, while her husband, Cyril, is attending Kennebec Valley Community College for Respiratory Therapy, both as full-time students.

“This scholarship was the greatest boost to my schooling I could ask for,” Crystal shared. “I was able to buy all of my textbooks and pay off the summer semester. This is such a gift to the community and the hospital. I am forever grateful for Charlie’s generosity.”

Crystal also shared how meaningful it was to be the first recipient of the scholarship and expressed hope that future recipients will benefit from the same encouragement and support as they continue their education journeys. 🎓🩺

We at MDI Health are so proud of Crystal and all those continuing to grow their careers in healthcare while serving our community every day. Congratulations, Crystal! 👏

Applications for this year are still open! Learn more about the Hendricks Family Nursing Advancement Scholarship and apply today, at: https://www.mdihospital.org/featured/hendricks-family-nursing-advancement-scholarship/ ...