For more than 65 years, the Boothbay region has been able to count on receiving some much-needed services that are not covered by insurance, thanks to the support of the towns of Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor and Southport, as well as grant dollars and individual donations.

The Boothbay Region District Nurse program is playing a role in keeping people out of the hospital and in many cases, in their homes by providing services like medication management, blood pressure screenings and more.

Lauri Andrews has served as the District Nurse for five years. A former home care nurse, Andrews made the shift because of the unique opportunity. “This position allows me more freedom and more flexibility to spend time with my patients. I can honestly say that the best part of my job is the time that I spend with them.”

In 2018, Andrews saw nearly 1,650 patients, providing medication management, educating patients about certain diseases and identifying behavioral health and community supports her patients needed. She serves as a conduit to community resources and her work can often keep patients from hospitalization.

While many of her patients have government-funded insurance, the rules around home care require an individual to have a medical condition that makes it impossible for a person to leave home. This program helps to serve those who are not home bound.

“The scope of the practice is very different, and I can see anyone who has a need if it is appropriate,’’ she said. “In our area, there are a lot of people who are safely discharged from home care with medications and they need some help managing them.”

Andrews’ office is located in the Family Care Center at Lincoln Medical Partners on the St. Andrews campus in Boothbay Harbor. While she’s on the road most of the time, her relationship with the local physicians is pivotal to the health of her patients.

“A lot of my patients are fragile and if something goes on and a medication change needs to happen, the doctors are very responsive and I get the help I need right away,’’ she said.

Merlin Gray, a native of Boothbay Harbor and an Air Force veteran, met Andrews after the death of his wife, Faye. When Faye died, Merlin, who now lived alone, needed help with his medications, something his wife of 63 years always tended to. Andrews, happily stepped up and began weekly visits to help with medication management.

“I really needed something at that time and if it wasn’t for Lauri, I’d probably be gone by now. I would have gotten my medicines so messed up,’’ Gray said.

Along with the medical help, Andrews was instrumental in Merlin’s emotional well-being, as he struggled to cope with loss of the love of his life.

“I needed someone to talk to. I needed someone to listen,’’ he said. “I was able to unload some of my grief and emotion on her, and I felt like a friend was coming over every Thursday. She offered me good advice when I was getting off track with my medications and she straightened me out.”

In a recent visit to renew acquaintances, Andrews and Merlin connected just like old friends, and the smiles and genuine care were evidence of a meaningful relationship.

“Lauri provided great care for my wife and to me,’’ Merlin said. “She’s now helping out one of my friends from high school. We are so lucky to have her and this program here.”