Ron Lessard, Oasis Free Clinics Board of Directors
What would you have done 30 years ago if you were living in the Midcoast area, had limited income to the point where you were unhoused, were uninsured, and needed help with your diabetes, asthma, other chronic health condition, or some other medical problem? Most likely, you would have been forced to go without healthcare – at least until the condition progressed and became life-threatening. Perhaps only then would you have found your way to the emergency department at the local hospital where they may have been able to help you with your immediate crisis but not with the ongoing management of your chronic condition. Dr. Peter McGuire and his colleagues recognized this healthcare injustice 30 years ago, cobbled together volunteers and grant funding, and opened a clinic offering free healthcare on Tuesday evenings to anyone who showed up. This clinic grew into what’s known today as Oasis Free Clinics.
The demand for medical services at Oasis has grown substantially over the past 30 years, and dental, mental health, and eye care services have been added during this time in response to need. During our 2024/2025 fiscal year, Oasis provided 1,738 medical appointments and 843 dental appointments with a value of approximately one million dollars. This is a great accomplishment, but what’s more important is the impact these services have had on the lives of our patients and on the community as a whole. We frequently hear stories from patients about how proper management of their chronic conditions or support for mental health issues has helped them immensely. When individuals within a community thrive, the community as a whole benefits. Oasis is a strong and critical fiber woven into the fabric of a community that cares for ALL its neighbors – a community in which we can all be proud to live.
The healthcare landscape has changed constantly over the past 30 years. When Oasis was founded, physicians were either in private practice or worked in the hospital. Today, with the emergence of large healthcare systems, it is rare for a doctor to have their own private practice. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) was passed into law at about the time Oasis began to operate. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was passed into law 16 years ago and was subsequently modified numerous times by legislation and judicial interpretation. Many other Federal and State laws related to healthcare and health insurance accessibility have been passed and modified. We experienced a pandemic which significantly impacted how medical and dental care is delivered. Oasis successfully adapted to these and many other changes in the healthcare landscape over the past 30 years and has continued to provide exceptional, compassionate, and dignified care to our patients through it all.
Oasis is now housed in a modern, purpose-built clinic that enhances our ability to provide dignified care. We’ve come a long way since our humble beginnings 30 years ago, and this journey has been made possible through the financial and volunteer support of individuals and organizations within our community. We are deeply grateful to each and every individual and organization who has made it possible for us to care for our neighbors in need for three decades. Thank you!
Throughout 2026, Oasis will recognize, remember, and celebrate our donors, volunteers, religious and business partners, patients, medical and dental providers, clinic staff, and others who have been part of our amazing 30-year journey. Be sure to attend our 30th Birthday Party in September where you’ll be able to tour our modern clinic. Watch your email or follow our social media channels for announcements of other events. You’ll notice a new 30th anniversary logo on our website, social media, and most printed materials during this anniversary year.
Back to my original question: What do you do today if you are living in the Midcoast area, have limited income, may or may not be unhoused, are uninsured, and need help with your diabetes, asthma, other chronic health condition, or other medical need? You come to Oasis where you’ll receive free, exceptional, compassionate, and dignified primary healthcare. Thanks to the financial and volunteer support of your neighbors, we’ve got you!
Oasis Free Clinics, a nonprofit, no-cost primary care medical practice and dental clinic, providing patient-centered care to uninsured adults living in Freeport, Durham, Harpswell, Brunswick and Sagadahoc County. For more information, visit https://OasisFreeClinics.org or call (207) 721-9277.
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