Weeks Medical Center

05/28/2026

In this episode of Rural Roots: A Road Less Travelled, Ren and Gavin sit down with Karen Gagnon from North Country Healthcare’s Case Management team. Known by colleagues for her extraordinary compassion, Karen shares what it means to support patients and families during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives.

Recently recognized through a DAISY Award nomination, Karen reflects on the power of empathy in healthcare, the importance of staying curious, and how asking thoughtful questions can help patients and families feel heard, understood, and supported.

This conversation explores the emotional side of healthcare work, the humanity behind case management, and the quiet leadership that happens through presence, patience, curiosity, and care.

Warm, thoughtful, and deeply grounded in mission, Karen reminds us that healthcare is ultimately about people showing up for one another.

Watch or listen on YouTube, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
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In this episode of Rural Roots: A Road Less Travelled, Ren and Gavin sit down with Karen Gagnon from North Country Healthcare’s Case Management team. Known b...

05/27/2026

Weeks Medical Center is pleased to recognize Davalyn Kinkead as the recipient of the 2026 Marguerite “Maggie” Gagne Award!

We are proud to share that Davalyn received multiple heartfelt nominations this year, each describing the meaningful impact she has on coworkers, patients, and families throughout our hospital. Staff who nominated Davalyn, spoke about her willingness to help others, the way she consistently makes people feel appreciated and supported, and the countless, thoughtful things she does to brighten someone’s day.

Whether it’s remembering birthdays, checking in on coworkers, helping families feel more comfortable, or simply offering a smile and encouragement, Davalyn exemplifies the spirit of this award. Congratulations, Davalyn!

The Marguerite “Maggie” Gagne Award was created in memory of Maggie after her passing, to recognize individuals who embody the kindness, generosity, positivity, and compassion that Maggie demonstrated every day. She lived in the North Country her entire life and began her career of caring for others as an LPN at Country Village Center, in Lancaster, NH. Maggie obtained her nursing degree from the NH Vocational Technical College in 1986 and remained at Country Village until 1992 when she transferred to Holton Point where she served as Administrator. She began working at Weeks Medical Center in 1998 as a staff nurse and rose through the ranks, ultimately becoming a house coordinator. Then, in 2010, she was promoted to Clinical Application Analyst. Maggie was passionate about caring for others as they got older and it showed throughout her career. She also served as the Chairperson of the Nursing Practice Council at Weeks Medical Center for 20 years.

We would also like to recognize the outstanding nominees for this year’s award:

- Barbara McCauley
- Domingo Lamadriz
- Jillian Laverty
- Kellie Sabourin
- Linda White
- Lorily York
- Melissa Murphy
- Nancy Blankenship
- Rachel Martinez
- Selena Marquis
- Sierra Whipple

Thank you to everyone who submitted nominations and to all of our staff who continue to demonstrate kindness, compassion, and dedication to one another and to our patients every day.

05/26/2026

Be sure to register for the new Caregiver Support Group by North Country Home Health & Hospice Agency, to be held on Thursdays, beginning June 4th from 4:00pm - 5:30pm, hosted by Ashley Brown, Hospice Social Worker, Kelsea Denney, Hospice Social Worker and Derrick Fallon, Spiritual Counselor.

Planned topics are:

Week 1: Introduction to Caregiving
Week 2: Caregiver Self Care
Week 3: Contented Involvement
Week 4: Managing Behaviors and Daily Needs
Week 5: Conversation with an Expert Week 6: Family Resources

The location of the support group will be: North Country Home Health & Hospice Agency at 536 Cottage Street, Littleton, NH.

Register via QR Code or at: https://bit.ly/CaregiverSupport-NCHHHA

We look forward to meeting you, hearing your story, and providing the support and encouragement you deserve. No matter what challenges you are facing, you do not have to go through them alone. Join us in a safe, welcoming space where you can share your experiences, connect with others who understand, and receive the support you need to move forward with hope and strength.

05/23/2026

Be sure to register to join us for the next informative, FREE Childbirth Preparation Class.

Date: Tuesday, June 16th from 5-8pm.

Location: Androscoggin Valley Hospital in the Mt. Adams Conference Room.

Be sure to see the image below with registration details for this informative FREE class!

05/22/2026

North Country Healthcare is proud to announce its providers who were recognized by their peers in the Castle Connolly "2026 Top Doctors" list, recently published by New Hampshire Magazine. This is an annual, peer-nominated list which acknowledges exceptional physicians across New Hampshire who exhibit exemplary levels of expertise, leadership, and patient care.

Congratulations to John Ford, MD, Jessica Jacobs, MD and Leon McLean, MD!

Thank you for your ongoing dedication to providing care to our communities!

05/22/2026

In this episode of Rural Roots: A Road Less Travelled:

Warm, approachable, and deeply rooted in the North Country, Derek Eastman brings both clinical expertise and genuine passion to this episode of Rural Roots: A Road Less Travelled. As a Physical Therapist, Outreach Rehab Director at AVH, and Interim Rehab Director at UCVH, Derek shares what it means to help patients regain confidence, mobility, and quality of life in a rural healthcare setting. From spine care and rehabilitation innovation to leadership, mentorship, and building strong community connections, this conversation highlights the heart behind the work. Derek also reflects on his long journey with North Country Healthcare, the evolution of rehab services, and why caring for people close to home matters so much.

Watch or listen on YouTube, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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05/20/2026

North Country Home Health & Hospice Agency is pleased to announce the start of a new Caregiver Support Group on Thursdays, beginning June 4th from 4:00pm - 5:30pm, hosted by Ashley Brown, Hospice Social Worker, Kelsea Denney, Hospice Social Worker and Derrick Fallon, Spiritual Counselor.

Planned topics are:

Week 1: Introduction to Caregiving
Week 2: Caregiver Self Care
Week 3: Contented Involvement
Week 4: Managing Behaviors and Daily Needs
Week 5: Conversation with an Expert Week 6: Family Resources

The location of the support group will be: North Country Home Health & Hospice Agency at 536 Cottage Street, Littleton, NH.

Register via QR Code or at: https://bit.ly/CaregiverSupport-NCHHHA

We look forward to meeting you, hearing your story, and providing the support and encouragement you deserve. No matter what challenges you are facing, you do not have to go through them alone. Join us in a safe, welcoming space where you can share your experiences, connect with others who understand, and receive the support you need to move forward with hope and strength.

05/16/2026

National Hospital Week Throwback!

For National Hospital Week in 1966, AHA Chairman Dr. Philip D. Bonnet (then administrator at University Hospital in Boston and later at Johns Hopkins University in Boston) was featured on the nationally syndicated radio show Kaleidoscope, hosted by Dale Re*****on.

What makes this extra special? These interviews were recorded and distributed as Mini 33 RPM LPs—also known as tiny vinyls! And yes… they still have Dr. Bonnet’s interview preserved on one of these rare little records. You could even call them a fun precursor to today’s podcasts.

From tiny vinyls to digital streams—National Hospital Week has always found creative ways to share the story of hospitals and those who lead them.

05/15/2026

A Look Back: National Hospital Day, 1931 - Did you know the 10th National Hospital Day in 1931 was a truly global effort?

Who participated?
47 U.S. states
Washington, D.C.
6 Canadian provinces
Alaska & New Zealand

(Fun fact: In 1931, the U.S. had only 48 states—Alaska & Hawaii didn’t become states until 1959).

American Hospital Association's (AHA) Outreach:
For the 1931 celebration, the AHA sent out 6,500 leaflets with program ideas and publicity guidance to support local organizers across the country.

National Support:
President Herbert Hoover met with AHA leaders—President Sexton, Father Garesche, and Matthew Foley—and expressed strong support for National Hospital Day.

Radio Takes the Spotlight:
Radio was the major publicity tool of the era. In 1931: • An estimated 450 radio announcements aired nationwide

Chicago Leading the Charge:
At least 775 local programs took place across Chicago alone—spotlighting hospital work and the mission behind National Hospital Day.

These early efforts helped shape the foundation of the modern National Hospital Week we celebrate today.

05/14/2026

National Hospital Week Wordle! In collaboration with the NY Times, the American Hospital Association launched a National Hospital Week Wordle that will be available to play May 6-16 via the link below!

https://www.nytimes.com/section/well

05/13/2026

In this episode of Rural Roots: A Road Less Travelled, Ren and Gavin sit down with Stephanie Farnsworth, RN, a nurse whose work spans both Employee Health and the Medical-Surgical floor at North Country Healthcare. Stephanie brings a unique perspective to rural healthcare, caring for both patients and the staff who make that care possible.

Together, they explore Stephanie’s path into nursing, what Employee Health really looks like behind the scenes, and how staff wellbeing connects directly to patient safety and outcomes. Stephanie also shares what it means to be a Certified Holistic Nurse, how holistic practices can fit within a traditional healthcare setting, and the small, practical ways healthcare workers can care for themselves during demanding shifts.

From the Med-Surg floor to Employee Health, Stephanie’s work reflects the practical, human side of keeping a healthcare System healthy from the inside out.

Watch or listen on YouTube, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ze8bW3WOrUY
https://open.spotify.com/episode/03Q8Ljkz2ZwIuwTYfBQoZl?si=it8OGLicRIOBqeWvd-RL3A