Brewer-based Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems has announced that a former employee has been accused of stealing $55,000 from its affiliate, Healthcare Charities. Healthcare Charities discovered the missing funds earlier this month.
The organization is conducting an audit to determine the full extent of the theft, according to the Bangor Daily News. So far, it appears a former employee diverted smaller charitable donations for personal use over the past several months. The donations were supposed to be used for wellness, patient care and education programs. The employee wasn’t named, but worked in a clerical position in the Bangor office. It’s also unclear why and when the employee left Healthcare Charities.
Healthcare Charities has instituted new internal protocols to protect against future theft, and will also perform background checks on all new employees.
The organization raises $10 million-$15 million annually to benefit EMHS organizations, including Eastern Maine Medical Center. It has 21 employees.
