PainCare - the leading Pain Management specialists in NH

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.

It became apparent around 11:00 a.m. that the river was going to rise above its banks,” stated PainCare employee and volunteer, Christine Hounsell.  "We wanted to make every effort to save the facility from ruin."  Firefighters brought sand and sandbags.  Volunteers filled and carried the sandbags to vulnerable points around the four studios, music rooms and common areas.  All pianos, teaching equipment, and furniture were brought to the highest part of the facility.

At the peak of the efforts approximately 40 volunteers worked non-stop to hold back the flood waters.  Some time in the afternoon, however, the effort became futile.  "There was a foot of water outside the door and nothing inside yet, but eventually the water found its way in," explained Tom McManus, also of PainCare.  "The building is so old that it was impossible to predict all of the places where the water could seep in." 

The facility was completely flooded in less than 90 minutes.  During that time the volunteers switched gears from sandbagging to removing three wooden dance floors.  "It was amazing how quickly everyone pulled together to unscrew those floors and carry the wood to higher ground," reported Heidi Hanson, a medical assistant at PainCare.  "Teams of people working together for something they care about are very inspiring."  Many of Arts Rochester’s belongings were saved due to the effort of these volunteers even though the flood waters eventually rose to 4 feet.

All three PainCare employees participate in the educational programs at Arts Rochester.  They agreed that they are proud and pleased to work for Dr. O’Connell and the administrators at PainCare who allowed them time off to contribute to a community organization in crisis.

"Part of our mission at PainCare is to be a good citizen," explained Monica Haley, R.N.   "We serve patients in need but also make an effort to contribute to the community, making it a better place for all of us to live."

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