March 2026 Newsletter

Dear Maine CHWs and Allies,

MECHW launched its certification on Feb. 24th. This milestone did not happen overnight. It is the result of years of vision, advocacy, and unwavering commitment from so many people across our state. What began as an idea—a hope, really—to formalize and elevate the CHW profession in Maine has grown into a fully developed certification pathway that reflects the heart, skill, and dedication of the workforce it serves.

This milestone. Not just for us—but for every Community Health Worker in Maine. Please join us on April 21st in Hallowell for a celebration! See flyer below! This certification recognizes your experience, expertise, and essential role in improving the health of communities across our state. It marks the beginning of a new chapter—one built on standards, opportunity, and respect for the work CHWs have been doing long before this certification existed.

CHWs who are now stepping into this newly certified future—congratulations. You are the reason this program exists, and you are the reason it will thrive.

Here’s to the launch of Maine’s CHW Certification—and to the many accomplishments still to come.

Please continue reading for the great opportunities MECHWI offers!

-MECHW Advisory Board

Breaking New Ground:

Maine CHW Certification Launched

February 2026!

Your Path to Professional Recognition Starts Today!

For New Applications for Certification, the CHW must:

● Be 18 years or older at the time of certification

● Have a high school diploma, GED, or high school equivalency (HSE)

● Complete 40 hours of an approved training program based on the C3 Project core competencies endorsed by the Maine CHW Initiative

● Complete a minimum of 1000 service hours

○ Can include volunteer work, peer observation, internship, apprenticeship, and/or paid employment

○ Can include work in the health care and social fields if they can demonstrate the core CHW skills

○ Service hours can be completed at multiple organizations

○ Work experience from the last 2 years will qualify

● Must consent to the CHW code of conduct

● Application fee $100

Visit Certification Page Here!

Founding Members Needed!

The current and growing structure of our governing body will guide the future of certification—ensuring accountability, transparency, and continued evolution. Their commitment to building a process that honors the CHW profession will be strengthened at every step of this journey. If you are interested in learning more, please see link below.

Learn More Here

Storytelling

Stories are powerful; we want to hear yours.

Submit your stories, and if selected, you will receive a $25 gift card at the completion of your story.

Enter Story Here

Read Previous Stories Here!

Strategic Planning Committees

We are addressing the priority projects for the 2026 Strategic Planning. We have developed the following Committees.

Certification
CHW Events
Leadership Training

If you are ready to jump into this important work, please reach out to Bridgette Dairyko bdairyko@mcd.org. Thank you for your dedication to support the CHW workforce!

Leadership Opportunities & News

Maine Department of Health & Human Services

Community Health Worker Steering Committee

Call for CHW Members

Overview: The Maine Department of Health & Human Services (Maine DHHS) Community Health Worker (CHW) Steering Committee guides how CHWs are integrated into Maine State initiatives. Maine DHHS is looking for CHW leaders to join the Committee.

Eligibility: New Committee Members must have:

· Two years of experience working as a CHW (see definition below) or under a similar title. This can include volunteer experience.

· Support of their supervisor or organization to join the committee.

Committee Mission: Improve coordination and collaboration across Maine DHHS Offices and with the community health workforce to support effective policies and programs.

If you have questions about the Steering Committee or the application process, please contact Benjamin.Hummel@maine.gov.

Apply Here!

CHW Highlights

"Driving Change through Leadership"

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

Please contact bdairyko@mcd.org

Meetings

MECHWI Monthly Meeting

MECHWI meets monthly. We share strategic updates; participants can network with other CHWs and learn from community programs and resources. All are welcome!

Next Monthly Meeting:

March 28th, 1:30-2:30 pm

Join Meeting Here

CHW Peer Support Group

The CHW Peer Support Group Meets Monthly!

Virtual meetings are held the 3rd Thursday of each month at 12:00pm.

March 16th

from 12:00pm- 1:30pm

Join Group Here

Monthly Lunch & Learn

March 17th from 12:00 pm-1:00 pm

In these times of uncertainty and tension, MECHW is partnering with Healthy Life EAP to offer a facilitated support session for Maine Community Health Workers.

Meeting Link

Maine Parent Federation Summit

Family Voices: Heart of Change!

This summit is a collaborative partnership between the Maine CDC and the Maine Parent Federation, bringing together families, professionals, and community organizations to learn, connect, and inspire meaningful change.

March 17th 2026

9:00 am – 2:30 pm

Augusta Civic Center

76 Community Drive, Augusta Maine 04330

Fee:$20.00

Free Training for CHW's

Thurs. 3/26 @ 11 AM – 1 PM.

Linda Riddell of Gettin’ By will lead us in an interactive poverty education game/training where we will learn how the brain changes in scarcity. Please visit the website Gettin' By to learn more about this opportunity to shift perspectives and improve the lives of people living in poverty.

This free training:

Counts as National DPP Lifestyle Coach Advanced Training
Has Continuing education credits available for: RNs, RDs, social workers, case managers, counselors, and prevention specialists
Has Certificate of Completion available for CHWs and others.Text Link

FREE Webinar & Toolkit Premiere

From Strategy to Action: Practical Tools

for CHW Integration & Sustainability

Tuesday March 17, 2026

2pm EST, 1pm CST, Noon MST, 11am PS

Join us for a preview of three new Community Health Worker (CHW) toolkits that support financial sustainability strategies and effective CHW integration across health care and public health departments.

In this 90-minute webinar, authors from three leading organizations will introduce their toolkits with an overview of what’s inside and explain how to get started.

FREE Virtual Trainings for CHWs

and Supervisors!

Spring 2026 CHW Supervision Training

Please email Zakiya Sheikh at zsheikh@mcd.org to register for the training. A limited number of free seats are available, and registrations will be confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis.