Maine Seacoast Mission has hired Simone Babineaux as the nurse aboard the Sunbeam V, the Mission’s 74-foot boat which provides outreach and health services to unbridged islands on the Maine coast. In addition to traveling on the boat, the nurse visits outer islands and helps connect island residents with doctors and specialists. Babineaux’s first day was March 13.

“Simone is a welcome addition to the Mission and the Sunbeam.” said Mission President John Zavodny, in a news release. “I am confident that Simone’s unique personal and professional history has prepared her well to work within our island communities.”

As a member of the Island Services team, the Sunbeam nurse operates the telehealth program, makes home visits, and provides direct care including flu and Covid shot clinics and wellness visits. The nurse also facilitates the island elder care network, offering support, education opportunities, and connections for healthcare workers and others who are helping islanders age-in-place.

“This is an opportunity of a lifetime. To provide health care as a part of an institution so steeped in island community and history is a dream come true,” said Babineaux. “I couldn’t be more thrilled to join the Mission in its work on unbridged, outer islands and with health partners across the state.”

Babineaux has been a registered nurse and family nurse practitioner for more than 25 years. She has worked in public health in Los Angeles, was a staff nurse at a medical clinic in Moscow, Russia, and was a first responder during Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. Most recently she has worked as a nurse practitioner at an assisted living facility and did home health assessments with individuals with multiple complex health care needs.

"Simone has an incredible track record in her professional work,” said Director of Island Services Douglas Cornman. “It’s obvious that she really cares about people and is looking forward to getting to know islanders and learning about their islands and communities. It’s a bonus that she is comfortable with boats and being on the water. She is going to make a great addition to the Sunbeam’s crew.”

Rooted in a history of compassionate service and mutual trust, Maine Seacoast Mission seeks to strengthen coastal and island communities by educating youth, supporting families, and promoting good health. For more information, please visit https://www.seacoastmission.org/