NEWS RELEASE

(Bangor, Me)- Rosscare is happy to announce that Valerie Sauda, RN, MS has accepted the position of geriatric nursing service instructor. This new position is a joint responsibility as adjunct geriatric nursing faculty at Eastern Maine Community College (EMCC) and geriatric nurse educator for Rosscare.

Valerie will be developing and implementing a comprehensive geriatric education program for Rosscare, the Rosscare partnership nursing facilities, and EMCC. Her educating responsibilities will include creating teaching and training programs for nursing students, as well as licensed and unlicensed healthcare personnel using evidence based geriatric care research.

Lisa Harvey-McPherson, RN, MBA, MPPM, vice president of Continuum of Care at EMHS, says this new role is a beneficial partnership for both Rosscare and EMCC. “Sarina Petrolino-Roche, director of the Nursing Program at EMCC and I share a vision to support nurses to develop geriatric clinical expertise to support the expanding needs of the patients we care for throughout northern and eastern Maine. We are honored to bring this unique vision to a reality with Val’s expertise.

Valerie Sauda has worked in the Bangor area for more than 15 years. She comes to Rosscare from Eastern Area Agency on Aging, where she served for almost five years as the director of Community Services. Her other experience includes Consumer Services manager at Elder Independence of Maine and instructor at the University of Maine’s School of Nursing.

The new position was made possible in part by a grant from the Bingham Betterment Fund. The fund supports charitable priorities such as education, health, and community support. Rosscare will receive a payment of $10,000 over three years, for a total of $30,000.

Rosscare is a member of EMHS. Rosscare has more than 25 years of experience caring for seniors in our community. By collaborating with other agencies and organizations in the area, Rosscare is able to provide area seniors with unique opportunities that compliment a healthy and fulfilling life. In partnership with First Atlantic Corporation, Rosscare owns and operates assisted living facilities such as Ross Manor and Stillwater Health Care in Bangor, Colonial Health Care in Lincoln, and Dexter Health Care in Dexter. Rosscare also offers services to help seniors live independently, such as Telecare, a free service offering daily check-in calls, Lifeline Medical Alert service, and the Center for Healthy Aging.

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