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Pictured: CMMC surgeons operate on victim of Oct. 25, 2023 mass shooting
Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC) plans to mark the three-year anniversary of the Lewiston tragedy in several ways, including honoring its healthcare professionals whose exemplary work saved the lives of more than a dozen victims.
On Oct. 25, 2023, shortly after learning about the mass shootings at two locations in Lewison, CMMC quickly assembled a team of more than a dozen surgeons with expertise in orthopedics, cardiovascular, thoracic, colorectal, plastic, urologic services and general surgery. They were aided by more than 100 other physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and other healthcare professionals.
“That night, every part of CMMC came together to save lives and care for our community,” said Michael Berlowitz, MD, chief medical officer for Central Maine Healthcare. “We train and prepare for emergencies like this, but what happened that night went beyond preparation. It demonstrated the extraordinary skill, teamwork and commitment of our entire team.
“From the surgeons, nurses, technicians and countless other staff who worked together to provide complex, lifesaving surgical care, to our blood bank employees who maintained a steady supply of blood, to our security team who kept our staff safe during the lockdown, everyone played a role. During Lewiston’s darkest moment, CMMC was at its best and was there for the community, when the community needed us most. For that, we are all very proud.”
Central Maine Healthcare will mark the three-year anniversary of the tragedy in several ways.
• At 7:24 p.m. on Sunday, there will be a moment of silence at the hospital to mark the time, three years ago, that the first shooting victims arrived at CMMC. “We mark this time, because for our teams it is when the healing began,” Dr. Berlowitz said.
• There will be candles placed in the atrium windows above the Emergency Department along Main St.
• A memorial banner will be placed on top of the parking garage during the week of the anniversary.
Central Maine Healthcare, in conjunction with the American Red Cross, will hold a Commemorative Blood Drive on Saturday, Oct. 24, a day before the three-year anniversary. Quarterly blood drives were established following the tragedy to honor the lives of those who were affected. The blood drive will take place on the lower level of 12 High Street at CMMC in Conference Room ABC from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Please click here to participate in this blood drive.
