April 2026 Newsletter

Dear Maine CHWs and Allies,

🌷 Happy Spring! New Adventures, Growth, and Celebrations Ahead 🌷

With spring comes new energy, fresh adventures, and opportunities for growth—and this season brings exciting news from the Advisors! As we look ahead to CHW Awareness Week this August, planning is well underway for a meaningful and joy‑filled celebration that centers you—Community Health Workers—and the vital work you do every day.

This year’s Awareness Week will place a strong emphasis on self‑care and burnout prevention, featuring a variety of CHW‑focused breakout sessions designed to support wellness, resilience, and renewal. We are thrilled to create space for connection, reflection, and practical tools that CHWs can carry into their daily work and lives.

We’re also excited to share important updates on CHW certification, including progress milestones and an invitation to our upcoming Certification Celebration, where we will honor the dedication and achievements of newly certified CHWs. Be sure to read on for full details to attend..

In addition, this newsletter includes information about free trainings, professional development opportunities, and helpful resources to support your continued learning and growth this spring and beyond.

Thank you for all that you do. We can’t wait to celebrate, learn, and grow together in the months ahead!

-MECHW Advisory Board

Breaking New Ground:

Maine CHW Certification

If you would like your CHW program highlighted in our monthly newsletter,

Please contact bdairyko@mcd.org

CHW Program Learning Series 1

This digital learning series is designed to equip public health departments and CHW-supporting organizations with strategies for CHW integration and sustainability. Developed by CHW and ally experts, the series consists of four modules, each with four lessons that run approximately 30 minutes for a total viewing time of approximately 3 hours.

These were created in collaboration with the Center for Community Health Alignment (CCHA), the National Council on CHW Core Consensus Standards (C3 Council), and the Community Health Worker Center for Research and Evaluation (CHW-CRE).

The modules feature short videos, key resources, and practical guidance. Content was reviewed by envision staff and the envision CHW Council to ensure alignment with CHW priorities.

Walking for 15 minutes a day can provide significant health benefits, including:

• Extended Lifespan: Regular walking can reduce the risk of early 

death by 20%. 

• Improved Heart Health: A brisk walk daily lowers the risk of heart disease and stroke by up to 40%. 
• Mental Health Benefits: Walking can improve mood, reduce

 stress, and enhance cognitive function. 

• Weight Management: Regular walking helps regulate blood sugar levels and can aid in weight loss. 
• Overall Well-being: Incorporating walking into your routine can lead to better sleep quality and improved mental health. 
• In summary, even a small commitment to walking can lead to measurable and lasting health benefits.

What is self-care? Self-care means taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical, health, and mental health. When it comes to your mental health, self-care can help you manage stress, lower your risk of illness, and increase your energy. Even small acts of self-care in your daily life can have a big impact. 

For more information, contact us at: info@mechw.org