March 29, 2007

Friends of Monhegan,

M.E.R.S. has breathed its last sigh. Due to a lack of personnel, M.E.R.S.' Board has decided to dissolve the 501(c) 3 non-profit corporation and cease operation effective April 30, 2007. Thank you all for your support over the last 19 years, especially during the past year when we made a valiant effort to save M.E.R.S.

M.E.R.S.' active duty roster has had two active members for the past couple years. Those two--along with many volunteer Fire Department members, hotel employees, and day-trippers who helped to hike out injured patients from the woods--have tirelessly answered Monhegan's emergency care needs. They've donated their time, knowledge and energy following the footsteps of the M.E.R.S. EMS volunteers of the previous 19 years.

Recently one of those two active EMT's resigned for both financial and professional reasons. It was less choice than necessity for him to be able to stay on Monhegan. But this brought the reality into clear focus: One person volunteering their time and energy cannot be available 24 hours a day/7 days a week/365 days a year to assure emergency medical coverage for this community. Add to that the fact that survival on Monhegan requires holding a full time paying job or running a business and the problem becomes very clear.

In light of this, the Board decided M.E.R.S. can no longer provide adequate emergency medical care to this community given our resources and the requirements of Maine EMS. Without an active service we must dissolve the non-profit 501(c) 3 corporation and, sadly, the Doc-on-a-Rock residency program with it. We are seeking professional legal assistance with the details of dissolving the corporation and distributing the assets, which IRS guidelines require go to another 501 (c) (3) corporation. We intend for the funds to continue to benefit Monhegan however, it is too early to give any details.

Emergency 911 service will still be available on Monhegan. Interestingly, neither Monhegan Plantation nor Lincoln County is responsible for providing Monhegan with 911 response. However, we are working with the Monhegan Fire Department and Lincoln County Emergency Management Agency to provide Monhegan Plantation with Emergency 911 service through Lifeflight, in concert with the US Coast Guard, to fill the void M.E.R.S.' absence will leave. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to address any M.E.R.S. Board member. Thank you again for your support over the years.

Sincerely,

Susan McDonough
Director, M.E.R.S.

Board Members:

Susan McDonough: Director
Faryl Wiley: Assistant Director
Donna Cundy: Treasurer
Tara Hire: Secretary
and Angela Iannicelli , Matt Schweier, Jes Stevens

back to main MERS page