AARP Maine Awards First-Ever 'Steadfast Advocate' Award To Volunteer With 15+ Years of Service

AARP Maine is thrilled to recognize Rena Heath with the inaugural Steadfast Advocate Award, an honor created specifically with Rena in mind to celebrate her countless and unending efforts to support the AARP Maine mission. Known affectionately as an “advocate’s advocate” by the AARP Maine office, Rena has continually demonstrated her steadfast commitment to the betterment of the lives of older Mainers.

For over 15 years, Rena has played an important role in AARP Maine’s volunteer efforts. She has signed dozens of letters to the editor in all major Maine news publications, and is a regular at AARP Maine’s weekly volunteer advocacy meeting, also known as Tuesdays at the State House. In recent years, her most notable work has been testifying on behalf of Mainers 50+ before the Maine State Legislature.

She has spoken in support of AARP Maine’s key advocacy items, including fair prescription drug prices, affordable healthcare, and aging safely at home. Since the start of the pandemic, Rena has creatively managed to continue her advocacy efforts remotely without interruption, despite not driving, owning a computer, or having wifi in her home.

Rena retired in 2004 as a receptionist at the Maine Attorney General’s Office, a job she relished for 23 years. She has been volunteering ever since. Earlier this year, Rena was recognized by AARP Maine with the “Bull Horn Award” during an end of session celebration of AARP Maine volunteer advocacy efforts. This award was referential to Rena’s unlikely feats of testimony during the pandemic, as well as a recognition of her vocal commitment to making advocating and volunteering with AARP Maine accessible to all.

Friends and fellow AARP Maine volunteers shared their thoughts on the award. Vilene Farina of Lewiston reflected on the impact Rena has had on her own advocacy journey: “I met Rena in the coffee shop at the State House. Her knowledge and inviting friendship helped my husband and me as we learned how to advocate for Maine people. I love listening to her history on how the process works, and how she has become an advocate for so many.”

Pat Wehner of Augusta was equally enthusiastic, saying, “As a friend and as an AARP volunteer, I am inspired by how Rena uses her knowledge and ‘human networks’ from her decades of experience working in state government. She volunteers to educate and influence decision-makers and support other volunteers on issues that impact the quality of life for many Mainers. Rena’s empathy and persistence in speaking out give a voice in Augusta to Mainers struggling with finding affordable housing, saving for retirement, paying utility bills, and accessing affordable and reliable internet service.”

It is one of AARP Maine’s greatest honors to recognize Rena Heath for her decades of hard work and dedication to improving the lives of all Mainers with the Steadfast Advocate Award. AARP Maine State Director Noël Bonam says, “Rena’s passion to do what’s right is second to none, and it makes her the dream advocate, not just for AARP Maine, but for all of Maine.”

In her characteristic fashion, Rena is humbled by the attention she is receiving. “This means so much,” she said. “It’s fabulous, and I don’t deserve it, but I do believe that the more you give the more you get. As Muhammed Ali noted, ‘service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.’”


To learn more about AARP and our work in Maine, visit www.aarp.org/me and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @aarpmaine. For more information about volunteering with AARP Maine, click here.