|
Dear Maine CHWs and Allies,
As we step into November, a season of gratitude, we want to take a moment to thank each of you for the compassion, dedication, and resilience you bring to your communities every day. Your work as Community Health Workers is the heartbeat of public health, and we are deeply grateful for all that you do.
This month’s newsletter highlights:
🌟 Certification Work Highlights
We’re proud to spotlight the incredible progress many CHWs have made toward certification. Your commitment to professional growth strengthens the entire CHW workforce. Stay tuned for tips, resources, and upcoming training opportunities to support your journey.
-MECHW Initiative Advisory Board
| | Storytelling Gift Card Winners | |
The Awareness week winners will be announced during the November MECHWI Monthly Meeting from 1:30-2:30pm.
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. | | 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 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. IC&RC, the credentialing organization, will begin preparing the final assessment and launching the testing phase.
We are seeking 10 people to take part in the sample assessment. If interested, don't hesitate to get in touch with Bridgette.
If you are interested in joining the governing body for certification, please contact Bridgette Dairyko. bdairyko@mcd.org
| |
MECHWI Advisor Elections
The 2026 Advisory Board Election process has begun. Advisory Board members play a vital role in shaping our direction, offering strategic guidance, and representing the voices of our community.
We have had several people apply and we are now setting up interviews. You will have an opportunity to take part in this crucial decision on Dec. 16th during the MECHWI Monthly meeting.
| | Bridgette Dairyko, MECHWI Program Coordinator, has completed the Rural Health Leadership Development Training Program through the New England Rural Health Association. | | Axels Samuntu, MCD Global Health Program Coordinator & MECHWI Advisor, showcases his work as an AHEC Scholar with a poster presentation during the New England Rural Health Conference in Groton, CT. | | Solange Tchatat, Northern Light Mercy Hospital, CHW & MECHWI Advisor, highlights her work as an AHEC Scholar with a poster presentation during the New England Rural Health Conference in Groton, CT. | | |
Want to share your CHW leadership achievements?
Send your photo and description to bdairyko@mcd.org
| | Stay Connected/Announcements | |
State of Maine Applies for Federal Rural Health Transformation Program Funding
State application proposes innovative investments to bolster rural health care, with broad support from leaders and insights from people across Maine.
The Mills Administration announced today that the State has filed its application for the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), a new Federal initiative to bolster health care in rural communities.
The RHTP was established to provide states with funding to adopt innovative solutions to improve rural health care. Maine’s application for the $50 billion program, filed with the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) this week, focuses on improving the health of Maine people through expanded access to affordable, quality health care, investing in rural health care providers and workers, and accelerating technological innovations.
The application follows a robust public engagement process prioritizing the perspectives of rural people and communities, led by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services in collaboration with the Governor's Office of Policy Innovation and the Future.
Maine’s application is supported by all four members of Maine’s Congressional Delegation and leading organizations representing health care providers, public health, consumers, employers, higher education institutions, community health workers, tribal entities, emergency medical services, and health technology. A detailed summary of the application is available on www.maine.gov/dhhs/ruralhealth.
| | | |
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:
Nov. 25th, 1:30-2:30 pm
| |
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 Nov. 21st 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
| | | |
Monthly Lunch & Learn
Nov. 22nd from 12:00 pm-1:30 pm
| | | | | |
Webinar - Next Thursday, Nov. 20th
Healing in Action: Addressing Secondary Traumatic Stress Among Community Health Workers Through Culturally-Informed Wellness Practices
Next Thursday, November 20th, 1pm EST, 12noon CST, 11am MST, 10am PST
| | |
CHW Supervision Training
Dec. 1 & 2, 2025
MCD Global Health is hosting the Advanced CHW Supervision delivered by Community Workforce Institute.
This is two-day virtual training on the Foundations of Successful Community Health Worker-Advanced Supervision
WHO: CHW supervisors in Maine who have received Supervision training in this topic in the last 2-3 years.
WHEN: December 1 & 2 (Monday & Tuesday) from 8:30am-3:30pm
WHERE: Virtual (Zoom)
COST: THIS IS A FEE BASED TRAINING. Tuition for the program is $500 per participant for the 2-day training.
Space is limited, so we encourage early registration to secure your spot.
How To Register: 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 Axels Samuntu (asamuntu@mcd.org).
| | | | |
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
| | |
Creating a bucket list can enhance your life by
providing clear goals, boosting motivation, and
encouraging personal growth.
| | 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. | | | | |
