June 2025 Newsletter

Dear Maine CHWs and Allies,

2025 CHW Summit registration deadline is June 13th at Noon!

20 exhibitors, poster presentations and breakout sessions will give you ample opportunity to collect and share resources and make important connections. Key-note speaker, Rebecca Boulos from Maine Public Health Association and our exciting DHHS Panel will provide you with many chances to ask those questions you have wanted answered. Plus, this year's CHW, CHW Supervisor and CHW Ally will be announced.

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

Continue reading below for more information about the Summit, the New Strategic Plan Committee, and the Leadership Development Program.

-MECHW Initiative Advisory Board

Strategic Planning Committee

We are identifying the priority projects for the NEW Strategic Planning Committee to address first. We have chosen our 2 co-chairs for the committee.
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!

Stay Connected/Announcements

2025 Maine CHW Summit- Register NOW!!

Hello CHWs & Allies!

Deadline is June 13th at Noon for the Maine CHW Summit registration! Come join us as we celebrate our 2025 theme: "Building Leadership through Advocacy and Awareness".

Summit Registration- CHWs and allies can Register Here until June 13 or tickets sell out.
Payment Tip: When you check out you will see "Help keep Zeffy free for MECHWI 💜 (optional)” with a suggested donation to cover the cost of payment processing. You can opt out of paying an additional fee, by selecting other and entering 0.
Scholarships- CHWs can request financial support for the Summit by completing this Scholarship Form. The form must be completed and approved before purchasing tickets, at which time you will receive a discount code.
Poster Sessions-Call for Summit Abstracts-Posters submit to Ben Hummel bhummel@mcd.org.

We would like to thank all our amazing sponsors who make our annual events possible.

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:

No June meeting due to the Summit Event!

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 June 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

Part of the Leadership Development Track

Friday, June 20th, 2025

12:00pm-1:00pm

Meeting Link

Learn More Here

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

Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone

Tues 6/17/25 12:00 – 12:30p

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.