Northern Light Orthopedics Earns Star Performer Recognition in National “Own The Bone” Program

Date: 07/18/2024

Bangor, Maine (July 17, 2024)— Northern Light Orthopedics at Eastern Maine Medical Center is pleased to announce its continued recognition as a Star Performer by the American Orthopaedic Association's "Own The Bone" program. This honor highlights the orthopedic team's ongoing commitment to reducing the incidence of fragility fractures, a severe consequence of osteoporosis. 

Osteoporosis, a silent but persistent disease, currently affects nearly 10 million people in the US and often leads to fragility fractures due to low bone density. Alarmingly, once a person suffers from a fragility fracture, they are up to four times more likely to experience another. However, this cycle can be interrupted with the appropriate preventive measures and treatment plans.

Northern Light Orthopedics remains a leader in proactive bone health, achieving a perfect 10 out of 10 on the "Own The Bone" program’s prevention measures. This exemplary score reflects the team’s comprehensive approach to patient care, which includes education on the importance of calcium and vitamin D, promotion of healthy physical activity, implementation of fall prevention strategies, a broad range of treatment options, and effective communication with patients and their primary care providers.

“Raising awareness about osteoporosis and ensuring that those who have suffered a fragility fracture receive the highest standard of care is crucial,” says Kathleen Forti-Gallant, DNP, FNP-C, RNFA, nurse practitioner, Northern Light Orthopedics. “Our ultimate goal is to prevent further fractures and improve the quality of life for our patients.”

The “Own The Bone” Star Performer designation underscores Northern Light Orthopedics' dedication to excellence in orthopedic care and its positive effect on patient health.

To learn more about the Bone Health program, call 207.973.9980 or discuss with your primary care provider. Media interested in speaking with a member of Northern Light Orthopedics may contact the Marketing and Communications team at emmcmediarequest@northernlight.org or by calling 207.973.9530. 
At Northern Light Health, we’re building a better approach to healthcare because we believe people deserve access to care that works for them. As an integrated health delivery system serving Maine, we’re raising the bar with no-nonsense solutions that are leading the way to a healthier future for our state. Our team members—in our hospitals, primary and specialty care practices, long-term and home healthcare, behavioral healthcare, and ground and air medical transport and emergency care—are committed to making healthcare work for you: our patients, communities, and employees. To learn more about Northern Light Health and our locations across Maine, visit www.northernlighthealth.org.