March 2025 Newsletter

Dear Maine CHWs and Allies,

It's starting to look more like Spring out there. With that comes the blooming of flowers and CHW leaders!

Please take part in some of our offerings of leadership trainings through our peer groups and lunch and learns.

SAVE the DATE flyer is out for the 2025 Summit!

Continue to read more below 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

2025 Maine CHW Summit- Save the Date!

The Maine CHW summit date has been set for June 24th from 8-4 pm 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 being a presenter during a breakout session, please contact Bhummel@mcd.org.

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

If your organizations would like to sponsor the event or a special part of the event, please contact bdairyko@mcd.org.

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

Calling CHW & Employers

to Participate

The Maine CHW Initiative and the University of Maine want to know what challenges CHWs see in communities and healthcare systems. YOU can help!

$20 GIFTCARD TO ALL CHWS WHO COMPLETE THE SURVEY.

Survey

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 25th, 1:30 to 3pm

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 March 20th 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- Managing your time & tasks

Join Group Here

Monthly Lunch & Learn

March Topic:

Managing Workplace Conflict

Part of the Leadership Development Track

Friday, March 21st

12:00-1:00pm

Join Here

CHW ECHO Survey

Your feedback will help shape the development of a new dementia-focused ECHO program, which will be piloted in Maine. Project ECHO is an innovative telementoring 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.

Survey 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 our Website

Self-Care Tip

The Importance of Play

Fri 3/28/25 9:30 – 10:00am 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.

Join Here