Senator Collins Visits Bangor Region YMCA

Bangor, ME — Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins visited the Bangor Region YMCA to discuss her recent advancement of $5 million in Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) for the YMCA’s proposed 30,000 sq. ft. Comprehensive Health Center. This CDS request was included in the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education appropriations bill. The bill was officially approved last week by the Senate Appropriations Committee, where Senator Collins serves as Vice Chair, and now awaits consideration by the full Senate and House of Representatives.

During her visit, Senator Collins met with Diane Dickerson, the CEO of Bangor Region YMCA, for a tour of their current facilities and a presentation of the design plans for the new health center. Additionally, members representing the YMCA’s various Evidence-Based Chronic Disease Programs—such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Cardiac Rehab, Livestrong Cancer Care, and Enhance Fitness (serving arthritis and bone health patients)—were in attendance. 

“Cultivating healthy communities is essential for the well-being of our State, and the Bangor Region YMCA has been committed to providing such invaluable support and services for more than 150 years,” said Senator Collins. “By promoting preventive care, early intervention, and evidence-based programs, the Comprehensive Health Center would empower both local and surrounding community members to lead healthier and more fulfilling lives. As the Vice Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to advocate for this funding as the appropriations process moves forward.”

"A new Comprehensive Health Center would literally transform the lives and wellbeing of Mainers, from babies to older adults.  It requires an enormous financial and emotional investment and Senator Collins has been the foundation of this support from the very beginning,” said Bangor Region YMCA CEO Diane Dickerson.  “Our Y is now in its 156th year and we desperately need to build a new Y and health center in order to better serve the people of our communities now and for generations to come.  Senator Collins understands this completely and has been at our side every step of the way.  She is one of a kind and our entire region is grateful to her."

Last year, Senator Collins secured $1.5 million for the construction of an Infant, Youth and Teen Education & Engagement Center at the Bangor Region YMCA.

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