November 2024 Newsletter

A Message From the

MECHWI Advisory Board

Dear Maine CHWs and Allies,

We hope this finds you well as we get ready for the holiday season. We understand that the holidays can be a very busy time, and you may forget to care for yourself. Please see the self-care tips over the next few months to help decrease stress and remember to attend the Peer-to-Peer group for additional support.

We have received several applications for new Advisors. In November a small team will be interviewing the candidates to move on to the next step. On Dec. 10th you all will be voting during the MECHW Initiative meeting, you won't want to miss it!

Please continue to read about the highlights and exciting events happening with the MECHWI.

-MECHW Initiative Advisory Committee

Leadership Focus Sessions

Last week staff held several focus groups to brainstorm what CHW's & CHW Employers need to build leadership skills.

Please see the leadership trainings identified below in the chart.

With the information provided, we are able to develop our next steps.

Stay tuned!

Strategic Plan Updates

Staff and Advisors are working very closely with our consultant to develop our next 3-year plan. We plan to share details with you soon. In the meantime, please know that we are working on some short-term goals to get us ready for 2025!

Stay Connected/Announcements

Public Health Networking Event at Bowdoin College

Please join us at Bowdoin College on Wednesday, November 13th, from 6:30pm-8pm for a public and environmental health careers panel and networking event.

We'll kick off the event with a short panel featuring public and environmental health professionals from different sectors/backgrounds (6:30pm-7:00pm), followed by a networking reception with light refreshments (7:00pm-8:00pm).

All are welcome! It's a great opportunity to make connections with other folks in the area, and you might find some great internship candidates.

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!

Virtual Information Sessions:

Nov. 20 - 12:00pm - 1:00pm

Dec. 10 - 12:00pm - 1:00pm

To register or more information, contact Makara Pollard, CHW Apprenticeship Coordinator, mpollard@mcd.org

Program Information

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: Nov. 26th, 1:30 to 3pm & Dec. 10th, 1:30 to 3pm- (to replace the one on Dec.24th.)

The voting of new Advisors will take place!

You must register for this meeting monthly at info@mechw.org

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 12:00- 1:30

Topic: Beating Holiday Stress with Ariele Worral

This is a peer group for CHWs ONLY, to:

Provide Support to each other.
Address Barriers
Share Resources
Discuss Concerns

Help Needed

In this area we will share an area of need that

our colleague is looking for help with.

Breeanna is looking for support for CHW's in the Bangor that speak Arabic & Spanish.

Please contact her at, bblalock@ccmaine.org

Self-Care Tip

Making Amends

Tues 11/19/24 1:00 – 1:30p Zoom- https://emhs.zoom.us/j/94567421662 Being of Service

Wed 11/20/24 8:00 – 8:30a Zoom- https://emhs.zoom.us/j/94567421662

Free Trainings from Strengthen ME.

No need to register, just join the link below on:

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