April 2025 Newsletter

Dear Maine CHWs and Allies,

Get ready for a great 2-day Summit Event this Spring! We've added a 1/2-day workshop following the full-day Summit. Seats will be limited. More information to come very soon.

The SAVE the DATE flyer is now available for the 2025 Summit!

Please participate in some of our leadership training offerings, including peer groups and lunch-and-learns.

Continue reading below for more information about the new Strategic Plan, Leadership Development Program, and the work groups' projects.

-MECHW Initiative Advisory Board

Strategic Plan Updates

We have developed a workplan for the 2025-2027 MECHWI strategic plan.
We are identifying the priority projects the NEW Strategic Planning Group will address first.
So many of you are ready to jump into this important work. If you have not already but are interested in taking part in the group, please reach out to Bridgette Dairyko bdairyko@mcd.org or Ben Hummel at benjamin.hummel@maine.gov. Thank you for your dedication to support the CHW workforce.

Stay Connected/Announcements

Save the Date!

2025 Maine CHW Summit

The Maine CHW summit has been scheduled for June 24th from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Maine Civic Center in Augusta.

This year's theme is "MECHWI- Building CHW Leaders to Make a Difference Through Advocacy and Awareness."

If you are interested in presenting during a breakout session, please contact Bhummel@mcd.org.

If you are interested in exhibiting during this event or sponsoring the event, please contact bdairyko@mcd.org.

We look forward to providing CHWs across Maine with an opportunity to network, build their leadership skills, and foster connections.

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:

April 22 th, 1:30 to 3 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.

The next group meeting is April 17th from 12:00pm- 1:30pm

This is a peer group for CHWs ONLY, to:

Provide Support to each other.
Address Barriers
Share Resources
Discuss Concerns
Leadership Training- Accepting Feedback & Criticism

Join Group Here

Monthly Lunch & Learn

April Topic:

Accountability in the Workplace

Part of the Leadership Development Track

Friday, April 18th, 2025

12:00pm-1:00pm

Meeting Link

CHW Insights Needed!

MECHWI is looking for CHW feedback to help shape the development of a new dementia-focused ECHO program, which will be piloted in Maine.

Project ECHO is an innovative tele mentoring model that connects frontline health workers with experts through interactive, case-based virtual sessions (Project ECHO Alzheimer's/Dementia Superhub). This program, funded by the CDC and led by the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors and its partners, aims to strengthen CHWs' ability to provide high-quality dementia-related care.

We greatly appreciate your time and insights—please take a few moments to complete the survey using the link below.

Take Survey

MCD's CHW apprenticeship program provides an opportunity for new and existing CHWs to develop professional skills through on-the-job training and continuing education provided by MCD’s training center. CHWs receive a CHW certificate from the Maine Dept. of Labor.

Throughout the program, CHWs have access to mentorship, support, and continuing education to further your skills.

Scholarship opportunities available now for CHWs and employers!

To register or more information, contact Makara Pollard, CHW Apprenticeship Coordinator, mpollard@mcd.org

Visit MCD's Website

Self-Care Tip

Letting Go of What Doesn’t Serve Us

Thurs. 4/17/25 12:00 – 12:30pm

Zoom- https://emhs.zoom.us/j/94567421662

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT US AT: 1-800-769-9819 OR EMAIL US AT: strengthenME@NORTHERNLIGHT.ORG

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.