A community in bloom: Mainers need access to healthcare to thrive | Column

Published: July 22, 2026

Updated: July 22, 2026

Category: Health

Author/Source: Danny Muller - Giving Voice

A community in bloom: Mainers need access to healthcare to thrive | Column

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Oasis Free Clinics hosted our 5th Annual Brunswick in Bloom event this past weekend, and thanks to the hard work of our garden hosts and volunteers, and the generosity of our sponsors, we were able to raise over $35,000 to support our clinic in providing free medical and dental care to patients in need. Over 400 people toured the homes of community members who opened up their gardens to do something simple yet profound: spread beauty, inspire creativity and care for each other. A highlight of the event for me was to meet many hosts and participants, share news about Oasis Free Clinics, and learn about how so many people have supported Oasis in the past and how so many people are interested and willing to help in the future.

A garden and a free medical clinic have more in common than it first might seem. Both are places centered on care, growth and community.

• They nurture life. A garden helps plants thrive, while a free medical clinic helps people maintain or regain their health.

• Prevention matters. Good gardening involves preventing pests, disease and nutrient deficiencies. Good healthcare emphasizes preventing illness through screenings, vaccinations and education.

• They require ongoing attention. A garden needs regular watering, weeding and pruning. Health often requires regular checkups, treatment and healthy habits.

• They depend on many contributors. Gardens may rely on gardeners, volunteers and community members. Oasis Free Clinics relies on healthcare professionals, volunteers, donors and support staff.

• Resources are used carefully. Both often operate with limited budgets and space, and must make thoughtful use of supplies, time and labor.

• They serve the community. Community gardens, such as the incredible garden at the Harriett Beecher Stowe Elementary School that was on our tour, and free clinics both aim to improve the quality of life, especially for people who might otherwise lack access to fresh food or healthcare.

• Education is part of the mission. Gardens teach people about growing food and caring for the environment. Clinics educate patients about nutrition, disease prevention, medications and healthy lifestyles.

• Growth takes time. Plants don’t flourish overnight, and healing often happens gradually. Both reward patience and consistent care.

• Small actions add up. A single watering or medical visit may seem modest, but repeated care leads to significant long-term benefits.

A garden cultivates healthy plants the way a free medical clinic cultivates healthy people — both provide the care, environment and support needed for life to flourish.

“I believe that the community … is the smallest unit of health and that to speak of the health of an isolated individual is a contradiction in terms,” said writer, environmental activist and farmer Wendell Berry. These words lay out a challenge for all of us to be involved in building a healthy community. And a healthy community must have thriving services that work to ensure access to food, housing and medical care.

Oasis Free Clinics is currently accepting new patients, and we hope this garden tour helped spread the word about what we do, where we are and how we can help. You can reach us at [email protected] or 207-721-9277.

Danny Muller is the executive director of Oasis Free Clinics.