DEER ISLE-STONINGTON, ME – In response to ongoing health and wellness challenges faced by commercial fishermen, the Northeast Center partnered with the Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries and the Town of Deer Isle-Stonington to pilot Healthy Harvesters: a community-based initiative tailored to the needs of the local fishing workforce.
Led by Stacey Roberts, a Community Health Worker (CHW), the program offers one-on-one, confidential support to help fishermen develop personalized wellness plans, navigate health systems, set wellness goals, and access local resources. Stacey tailors her availability and services to the unique needs of the fishing workforce. The program is driven by the priorities identified by fishermen and the community, reducing barriers to access and building trust through informal outreach and consistent visibility.
Since the program’s launch in January, she has had 144 dockside interactions, received 33 calls to the program, and held 27 appointments with 7 different fishermen, most of whom were connected through direct outreach or word-of-mouth.
During the first half of 2025, Stacey’s work has included:
- Scheduling and coordinating appointments with local providers
- Paperwork assistance for specialty care
- Ongoing check-ins and support navigating care-related challenges
- Serving as a liaison with local and regional providers and services
Outcomes to date include new provider appointments, successful care transitions, and improved navigation of complex health systems. The Healthy Harvesters program has become a trusted and approachable resource for fishermen, offering accessible support in a way that fits the realities of their work and lives.