September 2023

Dear Maine CHWs and Allies, 

We are very excited to share the addition of 5 new elected Advisory Committee members. This brings our committee to a total of 11 Advisory Commitee members!

In August we celebrated the first-ever National Community Health Worker Awareness Week. Thank you to all who joined us in person and in spirit at our successful CHW Awareness event on August 31, at the Agusta State Capitol.

In addition, CHW Summit planning for Spring 2024 is now underway. We continue to advance work on our website and strategic plan. We hope you stay connected to all the great work that's coming.

-MECHWI Advisory Committee

MECHWI Website Launch!

The MECHW website launched on

August 25th!

You will find the following and so much more:

• Job Postings (employers can post CHW jobs here)
• CHW & employer directory
• Resources
• Trainings/Events (please tell us about yours)
• Photos

The site is continually being updated.

We welcome your feedback at info@mechw.org.

First ever- National Community Health Worker Awareness Week Shines Spotlight on Vital Role

The MECHWI hosted its very first Awareness week event on August 31, 2023, in the Hall of Flags room at the state capitol.

Special guest, Governor Janet Mills is seen in this photo, with our dedicated CHWs and Allies.

With the support and participation of esteemed leaders and healthcare professionals, this event underscored the indispensable contributions made by CHWs in bridging the gaps in healthcare access and improving the overall well-being of our community.

On September 26th, during the MECHW Initiative meeting, we will continue to work on the strategic plan by sharing the 3 core groups CHWs identified as a need. Opportunities to sign up for one of the workgroups will be provided. We welcome your passion and expertise in the following groups:

1. Workforce Development
2. Policy/Advocacy
3. Communications/Outreach

These upcoming workgroups will be led by various Advisory Committe members and will have the support of MECHWI staff, Bridgette Gemelli, Capacity Building Program Coordinator & Axels Samuntu, Outreach & Training Program Coordinator.

More information will be given at the Initiative Meeting on September 26th, 2023.

MECHW Advisory Committee

is Pleased to Announce the New Members!

Mardochee Khele Mbongi, Congolese Community of Maine

Souad Ali, New Mainers Public Health Initiative

Kasey Dunham, Maine Health

Maha Jaber, Maine Health

Zakiya Sheikh, New Mainers Public Health Initiative

Maine Public Health Association 2023 Annual Conference-

Tuesday, October 10 · 7:30am - 4:30pm EDT



MPCA will host the 2023 Annual Conference –Maine FQHCs: The Way Healthcare Should Be

Oct. 25-26

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. 

For more information, contact us at: info@mechw.org