Castine community clinic explores future beyond Northern Light Health

CASTINE --- Castine’s community clinic is considering changes as its leadership looks for new ways to keep healthcare accessible while questions swirl around Northern Light Health.

For years, Northern Light has rented space at the clinic on Court Street and served as its network provider — meaning the clinic is affiliated with the healthcare system.

But at a select board meeting last week, the clinic’s board president, Bobby Fayt, said recent changes within Northern Light prompted them to take a closer look at their own future and consider separating from the health system entirely. The board is now exploring both community health plans and direct primary care models.

While nothing has been finalized, Fayt said they are conducting a feasibility study expected to take about three months