WATERVILLE — Shirley Lataille, a longtime patient, is the newest volunteer member of the HealthReach Community Health Centers’ governing board of directors.

The Maine Primary Care Association recently collaborated with HealthReach to feature Lataille’s healthcare journey with her integrated team of clinicians in a new documentary, “A Secret No More.” The short 12-minute film highlights the “best kept secret in Maine” — community health centers that have provided everyone access to affordable and high-quality healthcare close to home for 50 years, according to a news release from HealthReach. Lataille is well-versed in HealthReach’s many services and now advocates for both mental health awareness and access to integrated healthcare.

Shirley Lataille Submited photo

“I’m really looking forward to working with everyone on the board,” said Lataille. “I’m also looking forward to the future of HealthReach, Madison Area Health Center, and all of the improvements that we can continue to make.”

Lataille’s story can be viewed at bit.ly/madisonstory.

The HealthReach governing board comprises a group of volunteer leaders —  the majority of whom are themselves patients. This model of patient representation ensures that the most important perspectives — those of rural Maine communities and, especially, of patients — form the basis for all major organizational decisions.

Working alongside Lataille on the board are Jack Ducharme, chair; Bruce Harrington, vice chair; John Opperman, secretary and treasurer; and members Terry Brann, Candy Henderly, Jim Higgins, Michelle Kelley, Lisa Landry, Juliana Richard, Brenda Stevens and Allen Wicken. Connie Coggins is president and CEO of HealthReach Community Health Centers.