June 2024 Newsletter

A Message From the MECHWI Advisory Committee

Dear Maine CHWs and Allies,

Summer is here and it's getting hot out there! Please see the heat protection tips below to stay safe.

We are making some great progress to the Maine CHW certification proposal. Please see below for the listening sessions to learn more.

Please continue to read below about the highlights and exciting events happening with the MECHWI and the NEW section added-Help Wanted.

-MECHW Initiative Advisory Committee

Certification Proposal Listening Sessions

Please see the 3 different listening sessions below and find the one that represents the work you are doing currently. You can cut and paste this link into your calendar.

CHWs listening session- July 10th 12-1:30

Join Zoom Meeting

https://mainemobile.zoom.us/j/88574695908

Meeting ID: 885 7469 5908

Allies Listening session- July 10th 2-3:30

https://mainemobile.zoom.us/j/85681103283

Meeting ID: 856 8110 3283

Employers/Supervisors- July 16th 12-1:30

You have already received your private invitation and link

If needed again, please let me know.

Strategic Plan Updates

The committees are deep in the weeds of the work- Join us!

Interested participants that signed up for a committee have receive an email with meeting details and will start the important work on behalf of the Initiative.

Workforce Development Committee (WDC)

The WDC is finalizing the proposal for CHW certification. Please join in on one of our listening sessions to provide your feedback.

Policy/Advocacy Committee (PAC)

The PAC is working on an action plan to advance its strategic objectives. During June, members began to map potential advocacy partners. The PAC plans to hold a listening session for CHWs at the Office of Population Health Equity Conference on July 24 to learn more about workforce priorities which will inform the Committee’s future advocacy efforts.

Outreach/Communications Committee (OCC)

The OCC Committee is work on adding a social media page as well as developing a few videos highlighting the CHW workforce.

If you are interested in joining a committee, email Bridgette Gemelli, Capacity Building Coordinator at bgemelli@mcd.org.

Stay Connected/Announcements

2024 CHW Awareness Week!

Join us for our 2nd Annual Event

New Mainers Public Health Initiative- Gives Back!

FREE Event to all!

Saturday JULY 13th from 12-4pm.

James Bl Longley School, Lewiston

Education
Wellness
Arts & Crafts
Food
So much more!

Opportunity for CHW Employers!

MCD’s Community Health Worker (CHW) Apprenticeship Program provides an opportunity for employers seeking to hire or strengthen their CHW programs by developing CHW’s professional skills through on-the-job training, continuing education and obtaining a nationally recognized certificate. Join one of MCD's info sessions to learn or contact Makara Pollard at mpollard@mcd.org

View Full Flyer & Registration

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 July 18th at 12:00- 1:30

1-1:30pm will be a guest speaker.

Heather Washburn- Strengthen ME

This is a peer group for CHWs ONLY, to:

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

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: July 23rd, 1:30 to 3pm

Guest Speakers- Drusilla Blankey from MCD Global Health on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB).

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

Help wanted

In this area we will share an area of need that

our colleague is looking for help with.

“CHW based in Penobscot County (Newport area) seeking housing resources for a community member. The CHW has already looked at Penquis, KVCAP, and Maine Housing Authority, but the individual is not eligible for these programs. Any other suggestions of housing resources from the network are appreciated. Please contract Jennifer Prevatt at Jennifer.Prevatt@hhcme.org

if you have suggestions to offer.”

Self-Care Tip

Summer Safety

Hot days can affect anyone. If you are pregnant, are a child or teen with asthma, or have a heart condition or other chronic health conditions, heat can make your health worse.

Open the link below and enter your zip code to get the HeatRisk for this week and actions you can take to keep you and your family safe.

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.

More info Here