Purpose and Target Population

PURPOSE: Provide free, on-island medical care for acute, non-emergency conditions.
VISION: SIFA will be a part-time, volunteer-staffed, first aid station, providing on-island medical care for acute non-emergency conditions to all island residents and visitors. SIFA will reduce the need to travel off island for medical care or to use EMS 911 services for non-emergency problems. SIFA medical professionals will be available to assist island EMS, when requested.
MISSION: Create a free, non-emergency, walk-in first aid station available to all island residents and visitors and staffed by volunteer licensed medical professionals starting with a pilot project during July and August 2026
TARGET POPULATION: All residents of and visitors to Swan’s Island, Maine, a non-bridged island in Down East Maine, accessible only by ferry or boat and with inherent travel-related obstacles to obtaining prompt medical care.

Planning and Implementation

SIFA was developed in response to a Maine Community Health Needs Assessment and survey of island residents who cited the need for on-island access to medical care for acute medical problems.
SIFA is modeled after the successful Monhegan Island, Maine, “Doc on a Rock” program.
SIFA is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation staffed entirely by volunteer island residents and visiting volunteer licensed medical practitioners.
SIFA has received financial support from several grants, as well as from the Town of Swan’s Island. SIFA has also received significant donations from island residents, including monetary donations, free housing for thevolunteer medical providers, and a free medical office space for the first aid station.

Best Practices

SIFA Board of Directors and volunteers are all part-time or full-time residents of Swan’s Island, Maine
SIFA promotes ongoing communication with, and feedback from, the Swan’s Island community and town government.
SIFA is coordinating care with other Swan’s Island medical teams including Swan’s Island EMS, the Mill Pond Health Center, and the new Elder Care team sponsored by the Swan’s Island Public Library.
Grants and other financial support enabled SIFA to provide insurance coverage for staff and medical provider volunteers and to furnish the first aid station with medical equipment and supplies.

Challenges and Solutions

Expand SIFA from the 8-week pilot program in 2026 to 12 weeks in 2027 and continue expansion in the future.
Start recruitment of volunteer medical providers early and ongoing; expand potential sources from Maine and other New England states.
Explore grant sources for future funding and pursue personal donations.
Coordinate efforts with other local healthcare providers including EMS, primary care, and elder care groups.
Solicit community support by sharing patient survey results at the completion of the 2026 pilot project. Positive results will support the expansion to a longer period of operation in 2027.

Resources and Tools

Contact

Swan’s Island, Maine

Healthcare Access