The Acadia Caring Hearts Project: paying it forward is more than a simple act of kindness

It’s a scientific fact: when patients experience compassionate connections from those around them, not only do they feel better emotionally, but they also show lower stress markers such as cortisol levels. In addition, studies show that when patients listen to just 40 seconds of compassionate communication from others, they feel less anxiety and stress.

You see, when we feel connected to others, our bodies respond in ways that help us feel more calm. Helping patients feel valued and seen are important components in maximizing our patients’ treatment and recovery. That is why we’re excited to further enhance the care we provide to Northern Light Acadia Hospital patients with the Caring Hearts Project!

The Caring Hearts Project is an opportunity for community members, visitors, family members, staff, and others to provide a little extra comfort to patients by donating items such as reading glasses, chewing gum, personal hygiene products, gently used books, journals, and more to support patients on their journey toward better mental health.

Through the Caring Hearts Project, you can support the care offered at Acadia by making a donation in one of three ways:

Caring Hearts Project online gift registry

• Visit the Northern Light Acadia Hospital online gift registry and review the items identified by Acadia caregivers that are most needed by our patients. Purchase online and have the items shipped directly to Acadia Hospital. It takes the hassle out of doing good!


• Ship items to Northern Light Acadia Hospital, c/o Rene W., Director, Patient Experience, at 268 Stillwater, Avenue, Bangor, ME 04401

Caring Hearts Project drop box

• If you have unused items at home that you feel would be appreciated by an Acadia patient, we welcome gifts of nearly new or gently used items. Board games no one has played in years? We’ll take those! Handmade mittens from Grandma? Patients would totally feel the love. So long as the items are clean and in good condition, chances are we can find a use for them!


• You may drop these items into the Caring Hearts Project drop box located next to the ATM machine just off the main lobby of the hospital located at 268 Stillwater Avenue in Bangor. 

Acadia Caregiver Wishlist

• Below is a list of items suggested by front line staff as something patients are almost always in need of. When you’re out shopping for yourself or your family, make a purchase and place it in the drop box located just off the main lobby. You can also purchase from your favorite online retailer (e.g. Amazon, Target, etc.) and have the items shipped directly to Acadia Hospital. Talk about easy! Items in need include:
  • Reading glasses
  • Chewing gum
  • Personal hygiene products
  • Sports bras
  • Underwear
  • Water bottles
  • Stress balls
  • Gently used books (appropriate for ages 13-17)
  • Prepackaged protein-rich snacks Journals (for safety purposes, non-spiral bound only, please.)
  • “Croc” style shoes


• Ship items directly to Northern Light Acadia Hospital, c/o Rene W., Director, Patient Experience, 268 Stillwater, Avenue, Bangor, ME 04401

 
If you have any questions about the Caring Hearts Project, reach out to Nichole Trainor, Philanthropy Officer, Northern Light Health Foundation at ntrainor@northernlight.org or 207.973.6113 or Rene Whitney, Director, Patient Experience and Employee Engagement, at rwhitney@northernlight.org or 207.973.6316.

Thank you, in advance, for your ongoing support and generosity as we strive to empower Maine people to improve their lives through compassion, kindness – and a caring heart.