Groundbreaking of visionary new healthcare facility: Join us for the July 23 ceremony

PALMYRA — Bowman Constructors, Hometown Health Center, and Harriman are excited to announce their collaboration on a visionary new healthcare facility. This partnership underscores a shared commitment to innovation, quality, and community well-being, setting a new standard for healthcare infrastructure in the region.

Community members, stakeholders, and healthcare partners are invited to join in celebrating this milestone partnership and the promising future it represents for healthcare in the Sebasticook Valley region. The groundbreaking ceremony, marking the commencement of construction, is scheduled for 10 a.m. on July 23 at 55 Fletcher Drive in Palmyra.

This region, like many rural and underserved areas across the country, faces unique healthcare challenges, including limited access to medical services, disparities in health outcomes, and barriers to affordable care. As a federally qualified health center, Hometown Health Center is uniquely positioned to address these challenges with this new multifaceted healthcare campus.

“This new health and wellness center has been a long-time goal and we are thrilled that it has finally come to fruition,” said Robin Winslow, CEO, Hometown Health Center. “This community has a vast array of needs that could improve their quality of life but not a lot of resources. It is our intention that the new facility will fill the gap, ensure our community members get the care they need as well as other programmatic options to improve their health and overall well-being. We live in a wonderful, caring community. They deserve this.”

This new facility will serve as a beacon of hope and healing, offering not only integrated clinical services but also social engagement programs and a comprehensive wellness area, which is unlike any current facility in the state. Recognizing the critical need for adequate, safe, and affordable child daycare in the community, Hometown Health Center will include provisions for daycare services, providing essential support for families and facilitating employment opportunities.

The new facility will prioritize holistic wellness, addressing not only medical needs but also promoting nutritional health and physical fitness to enhance overall well-being. With amenities such as a state-of-the-art teaching kitchen, a community garden, and a food bank, Hometown Health Center aims to combat food insecurity prevalent in many Maine communities, empowering individuals and families to make healthier food choices. Additionally, a comprehensive wellness suite will offer diverse programs including yoga, racquetball, basketball, physical therapy, and weight training, a walking track, and gym equipment.

Furthermore, HHC recognizes the urgent need to combat opioid addiction. The new HHC facility will include a Recovery Center, offering intensive services and support in a safe environment. Additionally, HHC is incorporating addiction education and support into its School Based Health Center to prevent addiction in young children. With overdose rates climbing annually, HHC emphasizes the importance of taking action now to support individuals and families affected by addiction and prevent further loss of life.

Bowman Constructors will serve as the lead contractor for this transformative project, leveraging their extensive experience and dedication to excellence to bring HHC’s vision to life. From groundbreaking to completion, they will work closely with HHC to ensure that the facility meets the highest standards of quality, functionality, and sustainability.

“Given our mission to provide support to community-driven projects, Bowman Constructors is honored to partner with Hometown Health Center in constructing this transformative healthcare facility,” said Kevin Bowman, president of Bowman Constructors. “Together, we are committed to constructing not just a building, but a cornerstone of community wellness that addresses the unique needs of the region.”

Harriman, the architect for the project, brings a wealth of expertise in innovative and sustainable design solutions, particularly in healthcare architecture. Their involvement will be instrumental in creating a facility that not only meets the current needs of the community but is also adaptable for future advancements in healthcare delivery.

“Community is at the heart of our design approach,” said Mark Lee, AIA, LEED AP, CEO of Harriman. “The new Hometown Health Center is designed to be a welcoming, open, and uplifting community hub of healthcare, wellness and social spaces. Sustainability and resiliency were paramount considerations to ensure a building that will contribute to the health and wellbeing of the community now and for future generations.”

Bowman Constructors is a leading construction firm specializing in commercial, institutional, and healthcare projects. With a legacy of excellence spanning almost 40 years, Bowman Constructors is committed to delivering innovative, sustainable, and cost-effective solutions that exceed client expectations. For more information about Bowman Constructors and its construction services, visit bowmanconstructors.com.

HHC is a Federally Qualified Health Center, in central rural Maine, that offers medical services, dental services, behavioral health services, a sliding-fee scale for payment that is based on what the patient can afford, several prescription assistance programs, and much more. HHC understands and incorporates an integrated approach to its health care treatment philosophy whereby the medical services are seamlessly blended with behavioral health services to provide complete and well-balanced care for the patient. For details about Hometown Health Center, visit hometownhealthcenter.org.

Harriman Architects and Engineers crafts innovative and sustainable design solutions for healthcare, education, government, business, and research. The firm leverages a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to enhance community environments, embodying values of inclusivity, equity, and excellence in every project. To learn more about Harriman, visit www.harriman.com .