June 2026 Newsletter

Dear Maine CHWs and Allies,

On behalf of the Advisory Board, we are thrilled to invite you to register for the 2026 CHW Summit—an energizing, inspiring, and resource-packed event designed with you in mind.

This year’s summit is shaping up to be our most exciting yet, offering incredible opportunities to connect, learn, and recharge. Highlights include:

✨ Free professional headshots to elevate your profile

💆 Complimentary chair massages and Reiki sessions to support your well-being

📚 25+ exhibitors sharing valuable tools, resources, and connections

🎤 Dynamic breakout sessions covering relevant and impactful topics

👥 A special breakout session exclusively for CHW Supervisors

…and so much more!

Whether you’re looking to build new skills, expand your network, or simply take time to invest in yourself, this summit offers something for everyone in the CHW community.

This is truly an event you won’t want to miss. We encourage you to register today and be part of this unforgettable experience.

The first 25 CHWs to register will receive a $25 coupon toward their Certification assessment at the summit. We can’t wait to see you there!

THANK YOU TO ALL OUR SPONSORS AND EXHIBITORS THAT MAKE THIS EVENT POSSIBLE!

-MECHW Advisory Board

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN

for the

2026 Maine CHW Summit

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, 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 ethics

● Application fee $100

The assessment is offered on the 2nd Thursday of each month

in Hallowell at 12:30 pm.

Visit Certification Page 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

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:

June 23, 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.

June 18th

from 12:00pm- 1:30pm

Join Group Here

Monthly Lunch & Learn

NO JUNE MEETING

Meeting Link

2026 CHW Core Competency

Training Calendar

Apply Here!

Download Calendar

Upcoming

Advanced CHW Supervision Training

Self-Care Tip

Summer Self-Care Ideas for Public Health Workers 🌞💙

Public health work can be deeply rewarding but also emotionally and physically draining. Summer offers a perfect opportunity to recharge while staying connected to your purpose. Here are some thoughtful, low-stress ideas tailored for you:

Job Posting

We have an opening for a Director of Interpreter & Cross-Cultural Services position! This is a great opportunity to join the Patient Experience team at MaineHealth. Please let Casey Maloney or me know if you have any questions! https://lnkd.in/g2mh43FU