December 2025 Newsletter

Dear Maine CHWs and Allies,

Please join me in saying farewell and gratitude to our Advisors, Betty, Aaron, Mardochee, and Laura.

As we close out an incredible year, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all of our dedicated advisors who are stepping down, including our long-standing Co-Chair Advisor, Betty St. Hilaire. Betty’s leadership and commitment have been instrumental in shaping MECHWI’s success, and her contributions will leave a lasting impact on our work. We are in a better place at the end of this year thanks to their commitment and hard work.

This year has been one of growth and achievement—marked by strong collaborations, innovative initiatives, and meaningful progress toward our shared goals. As we look ahead, we’re excited to embrace a fresh outlook, new ideas, and continued momentum to advance the CHW workforce across Maine.

Thank you to all who have been part of this journey—we couldn’t have done it without you!

-MECHW Initiative Staff

Storytelling Gift Card Winners

The Awareness week winners will be announced during the December MECHWI Monthly Meeting from 1:30-2:30pm.

You will also hear a few stories that were selected.

You won't want to miss it!

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

Enter Story Here

Strategic Planning Committees

We are identifying the priority projects for the NEW Strategic Planning Committee to address first.

Certification
CHW Events
Story Board/Social Media
Leadership Training

If you are ready to jump into this important work, 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!

Leadership Opportunities & News

CHW Certification Updates

The CHW certification process is now underway. The Blueprint Team has established the guidelines for taking the assessment. The Question Writing and Review Teams have completed that process. We are working to update our website and create marketing materials to promote the certification. We have identified 10 CHWs to take part in the pilot in January 2026.

If you are interested in joining the governing body for certification, please contact Bridgette Dairyko at bdairyko@mcd.org

2026 MECHWI Advisor Elections

Tuesday, December 16th, 2025, 1:30-2:30 pm

During the MECHWI Monthly Meeting!

7 Advisors will be chosen!

CHW Highlights

"Driving Change through Leadership"

Quality Health on the Move!

Liliana and Joshua from the Maine Mobile Health Program are on the road with the mobile unit in Washington County.

Mobile rural healthcare is crucial as it overcomes significant barriers in rural areas by bringing medical services directly to workers in rural communities, improving access to preventive and primary care, managing chronic diseases, and reducing healthcare costs.

No matter the temperature, CHWs are out supporting their communities.

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

Please contact bdairyko@mcd.org

Stay Connected/Announcements

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:

Dec. 16th, 1:30-2:30pm

Come vote for your 2026 Advisors!

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 Dec. 18th 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

Join Group Here

Monthly Lunch & Learn

Dec. 19th from 12:00pm-1:00pm

Lead Poisoning Prevention Program

Meeting Link

CHW Core Competency Training

Apply Here!

Download Calendar

2026 CHW Supervision Training

Please register for the training in the link below. Upon registering, you will receive an invoice from our team. Payment is required to confirm enrollment. Thank you!

For questions, please contact Cristina Leal at CHWinfo@mcd.org.

View Flyer & Agenda

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

Learn More About Envision

CHW Trainings and Resources

From our mission to our training and our team, we are about elevating CHWs and the work they are doing in our communities.

Visit Website

Self-Care Tip

Holiday stress is common, but you can manage it by identifying triggers, planning ahead and focusing on what truly matters during the holiday season.

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.

Job Posting

Contact Us

Bridgette Dairyko

CHW Capacity Building Program Coordinator

bdairyko@mcd.org

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

Visit Our Website