PainCare was honored to be a silver sponsor of the 2008 Strawbery Banke Fall Festival held on Saturday, October 4th in Portsmouth, NH.
Featuring four centuries of traditional home and farm harvest festivities, PainCare participated in the days activities which included music and dance, heritage breading animals, apple cider pressing, crafts demonstrations, children’s games, native plants, heirloom fruit and vegetable tasting, and much more!
PC sponsors NHHPCO 5th Annunal golf tournament
On August 22, 2008 PainCare was a “Diamond Level” sponsor in a golf tournament benefiting the New Hampshire Hospice and Palliative Care Organization at Canterbury Woods Country Club in Canterbury, NH.
Players on the PainCare team included: Dr. Michael O’Connell, owner of PainCare, Chris Clough, PA-C, Kevin Broadhurst and Pete Bogannam. Our PainCare team won the tournament bringing home the title of ‘2008 Champions’ as well as a sense of pride for being able to contribute to such a wonderful organization.
All of the funds raised by this tournament go to New Hampshire Hospice & Palliative Care Organization. NHHPCO is a non-profit organization that supports the improvement of end-of-life care in the community.
Thanks to NHHPCO and Canterbury Woods Country Club for a wonderful day!
PainCare sponsors Hospice golf tournament
Seacoast Hospice annual golf tournament
On June 27, 2008, PainCare sponsored and competed in a golf tournament to benefit Seacoast Hospice at Pease Golf Course in Portsmouth, NH.
The players and proud 2007 defending champions were Dr. Michael O'Connell, Chris Clough, PA-C, John Kane, CRNA, and Peter Bogannam. Although they were not as successful this year as last (finishing in 4th place), they were happy to be golf cart sponsors and to play for such a good cause.
All of the funds raised by this tournament go to Seacoast Hospice to support programs and services for patients, caregivers, and the community, so that they may continue to help families in need of hospice care, regardless of ability to pay.
Defending champions: John Kane, Michael O'Connell, Chris Clough, and Pete Bogannam
Thanks to Seacoast Hospice and Pease Golf Course for an exciting tournament on a beautiful day!
PainCare Employees Volunteer at Soup Kitchen
PainCare employees serve dessert for soup kitchen guests
Employees of PainCare Centers in Somersworth recently provided relief duty at a local area soup kitchen. Tom Barnes, an administrator at PainCare, explained to the employees that there was an immediate need for volunteers at the Dover Friendly Kitchen. "An entire group of retired volunteers were heading to Florida for the winter," said Barnes. "The gap that these volunteers created needed to be closed quickly by a dedicated, dependable group. I figured, why not us?"
Working at a mad pace to meet the 5pm deadline!
Throughout last winter until April of this year, the company's physicians, staff, and CEO volunteered as a group to prepare and serve the meals. It was a big success. Everyone looked forward to their monthly shift and the fast-paced, gratifying work. The menu consisted of veggie chili, ham slices, cornbread and ice cream. During the dinner hour, guests and volunteers were treated to mellow tunes by a local pianist and singer. With only one hour to prepare the home-made meal, the place was really hopping! By the time the last month rolled around, the once ragtag group of soup kitchen newbies developed into a well-oiled, food making machine!
In an unusually quiet moment, PainCare employees strike a pose.
The Dover Friendly Kitchen is run by the Dover Cooperative Ministries. Under the leadership of Margarite Ferrer (mother of Tom Barnes), the Friendly Kitchen opens its doors to everyone who needs a good meal and some good companionship. The Friendly Kitchen is open every Tuesday and Thursday, and is located in the hall of St. Thomas Episcopal Church. Various faith communities take charge each day to make and serve the meal.
Dr. O’Connell Makes Holiday Pledge For Homeless Pets
DOVER, NH - February 21, 2008 - Dr. Michael O’Connell of PainCare Centers renewed his support for homeless animals and the work of Cocheco Valley Humane Society during the 2007-08 holiday season.
Dr. O’Connell, whose pain management practice is located at Pinewood Medical Center on Route 108 in Somersworth, has pledged up to $10,000 for the last five years to match holiday donations of $100 or more made to the humane society. This year he increased his commitment to $30,000. Through this challenge, PainCare helped the humane society reach more donors and raise more money.
Michael J O'Connell MD, along with PainCare employees, presents check to CVHS
"I am committed to Cocheco Valley Humane Society because it is an important community resource," said Dr. O’Connell. "Without them, there would be no safe place for surrendered, unwanted, and abused animals—and they need the community’s support to fund their programs and services."
Cocheco Valley Humane Society relies on financial contributions to provide shelter, food, medical care and the hope of a new "forever" home for an estimated 2,500 animals each year. They also offer resources and programs to help pet owners keep pets in their homes and out of the shelter. To learn more about CVHS' community programs and services, please visit www.cvhsonline.org or call (603) 749-5322.
Dr. O’Connell’s PainCare Centers Committed to Helping Homeless Pets
Michael J. O'Connell, MD, and friend from the Cocheco Valley Humane Society
SOMERSWORTH, NH – September 12, 2007 – Cocheco Valley Humane Society has come to rely on the generosity and support of Dr. Michael J. O’Connell of the PainCare Center in Somersworth. For more than five consecutive years, Dr. O’Connell has committed up to $10,000 in matching donations to save lives and support the work of the animal welfare organization that serves greater Strafford County.
“We are extremely grateful for Dr. O’Connell’s on-going friendship,” said Lynne Dawson, CVHS Interim Executive Director. “His kindness and compassion for homeless pets is remarkable and his donations help to ensure that we will be here tomorrow, and the next day, to provide sanctuary and a new beginning for animals in need.”
Recently, Sam, a lovable, three-year old, 85 pound St. Bernard mix and soon-to-be-famous CVHS Kissing Dog, stopped in to visit Dr. O’Connell and his staff. He couldn’t resist giving the good doctor a big kiss to thank him for his generosity.
Cocheco Valley Humane Society is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting humane treatment of animals. The Society’s mission is to make possible a better world for all animals by providing shelter, educating the community about humane care and treatment, advocating animal welfare, and promoting the human-animal bond. To learn more about CVHS’ community programs and services, please visit www.cvhsonline.org or call (603) 749-5322.
PCC Employees assist during flood
Volunteers help Arts Rochester move dance floors to higher ground
On April 16 2007 during torrential rains, three employees from PainCare were relieved from their duties at the clinic and sent to aid a community organization in need. Arts Rochester, a non-profit arts education center, located at the Gonic Mill, was in danger of flooding for a second time in the past year, from the rising waters of the Salmon Falls River.
Rochester - Dr. Michael J. O’Connell owner of PainCare in Somersworth and Merrimack, NH, recently provided Arts Rochester with the resources necessary to make essential repairs and improvements to one of their studio floors.
Dr. Michael O'Connell donates to St. Charles Children's Home
DOVER -- Dr. O'Connell and members of his staff presented the Children's Home with a check for $10,000 earmarked for "Capital Expenditures in the Children's Areas." They toured the Home to see what improvements are planned with the funds and meet some of the children the money will help.
Michael O'Connell of PainCare volunteers for children in Dominican Republic
Michael O'Connell, MD founder, CEO and Pain Management Specialist at PainCare in
Somersworth, New Hampshire, traveled
to the Dominican Republic as a member of Interplast, where he
volunteered with other physicians to provide reconstructive surgery for
children with birth defects, burns, and injuries.
Interplast is a non-profit organization that coordinates medical volunteer teams to
provide reconstructive surgery, education, and foster goodwill in developing nations.
The medical volunteer teams provide free reconstructive surgery for children and
adults suffering primarily from cleft palate, cleft lip, birth defects, burns, nerve
lacerations and other deformities.
Because of the lack of medical equipment in
developing countries, the medical team relies on the donation of medical equipment,
drugs, and surgical supplies. Interplast volunteers often stay with local residents
while in the country, allowing the medical personnel to further spread good will.
Dr. O'Connell reports that "our team of six physicians, two nurse anesthetists and
twelve nurses performed 120 surgeries in five days. The hospital in the center of
Santa Domingo had two operating rooms; each room equipped with two side-by-side
Operating Room tables. The surgeries were performed concurrently, sometimes
without electricity, usually without the benefit of air conditioning, and always
for at least twelve hours a day. In spite of these challenging conditions, the
patients did well and all members of the team worked together efficiently and
cheerfully. The Dominicans are a friendly but proud people, yet immensely appreciative
of our efforts. It was a very rewarding experience."
