Beyond the Dental Office: Building an Oral Health System That Works for Everyone
In 2022, only 35% of insured Maine children received a
dental exam and cleaning. If tooth decay is the most common chronic disease of
childhood, and even insured children struggle to access care, how can we look
beyond the dental office to ensure children get the care they need?
Course Information
- Audience:
Public health professionals, oral healthcare workforce, primary care workforce
- Format: Recorded Webinar
- Date/Time: July 28th, 2026 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM ET.
- Price: Free
- Length: 1 hour
- Credential(s) eligible for contact
If you are not seeking a CHES/MCHES contact hours, if you complete the post-test and evaluation, you will receive a Certificate of Completion. The Certificate will include the length of the course. NEPHTC is a designated provider of continuing education contact hours (CECH) in health education by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. This program is designated for Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES) and/or Master Certified Health Education Specialists (MCHES) to receive up to 1 total Category I continuing education contact hours. Maximum advanced-level continuing education contact hours are 1.
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Provider ID:
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Event ID:
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Competencies: Public Health Science Skills
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Learning Level: Awareness
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Companion Trainings:
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Supplemental materials: None
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Pre-requisites: None
About this Webinar
Oral health is closely connected to overall health, educational success, workforce participation, and quality of life, yet oral health systems often operate separately from broader public health and health care efforts. Drawing on Maine's experience, this session will explore how systems change, cross-sector collaboration, policy, and innovative care delivery models can help create a more effective and accessible oral health system. Participants will leave with practical examples and ideas that can be applied in communities throughout New England.
Learning Objectives
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Describe oral health as a public health issue and identify common barriers that limit access to care.
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Differentiate between traditional dental delivery systems and community-based oral health models.
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Explain how innovations such as medical-dental integration, tele dentistry, and minimally invasive care can expand access to preventive services.
Identify opportunities for public health organizations, healthcare systems, schools, and community partners to advance oral health care.
Subject Matter Expert(s)
Kalie Hess, MPH
Kalie Hess is Associate Director of the Children’s Oral Health Network of Maine (COHN), where she leads policy, partnership, and systems change efforts to improve oral health outcomes and advance health equity across Maine. She supports a statewide network of partners working to ensure all children can grow up free from preventable dental disease, focusing on the systems, policies, and cross-sector collaborations needed to create lasting population-level change. Prior to joining COHN, Kalie worked with Maine’s Federally Qualified Health Centers to advance quality improvement initiatives, policy development, and systems change strategies that expanded access to care for underserved communities. Her background includes work in both state-level public health and local community health coalitions, with a focus on building partnerships and advancing solutions that improve community health and well-being. Kalie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from the University of Maine and a Master of Public Health from the University at Albany.
Molly Williams, MPH
Molly Williams is Data and Impact Communications Lead for the Children’s Oral Health Network of Maine (COHN). She produces annual publications, develops public presentations, and supports events to increase awareness of and engagement in COHN initiatives. Molly brings to this role a diverse set of skills and experiences developed over a career in events management, communications, and fundraising. She has worked for the Peabody Awards, Apple, Inc., Churchill Events, and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, with a focus on cultivating relationships, managing collaborative projects, developing efficient systems, and working towards greater equity and expanded access to resources. Molly holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from Amherst College and a Master of Public Health Policy from the University of Southern Maine’s Muskie School of Public Service.
Enrollment and Contact Hours
Select the Enroll button below to register for the course. If you have any trouble accessing the course, contact support@nephtc.org.
Acknowledgement: This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of award 2 UB6HP31685‐05‐00 “Public Health Training Centers.” The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.This training was supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $400,000 with 100% funded by HRSA/HHS and 0% funded by nongovernment source(s). The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA/HHS, or the U.S. Government.
* Yale School of Public Health, Office of Public Health Practice, a New England Public Health Training Center partner, is a designated provider of continuing education contact hours (CECH) in health education by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. All CHES credit inquiries are managed by YSPH
Registration
Select the Enroll Me button below to register for this recording. If you have any trouble accessing the recording, contact support@nephtc.org.
Acknowledgement: This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of award 2 UB6HP31685‐05‐00 “Public Health Training Centers.” The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.
Debriefing After a Traumatic Perinatal Event: A Practice for Improved Patient and Provider Outcomes
How can building a system for structured debriefing after a traumatic perinatal event improve outcomes and lay the groundwork for resiliency for both patients and healthcare providers?
How can building a system for structured debriefing after a traumatic perinatal event improve outcomes and lay the groundwork for resiliency for both patients and healthcare providers?
Course Information
- Audience: This event is open to public health professionals, the healthcare workforce, community representatives concerned with perinatal health, and university or graduate level students.
- Format: Webinar
- Date/Time: April 23rd, 2026 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM ET.
- Price: Free
- Length: 1 hour
- Credential(s) eligible for contact
If you are not seeking a CHES/MCHES contact hours, if you complete the post-test and evaluation, you will receive a Certificate of Completion. The Certificate will include the length of the course. NEPHTC is a designated provider of continuing education contact hours (CECH) in health education by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. This program is designated for Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES) and/or Master Certified Health Education Specialists (MCHES) to receive up to 1 total Category I continuing education contact hours. Maximum advanced-level continuing education contact hours are 1.
- Through Joint Sponsorship with the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Department of CME, the live session has been approved for: 1.0 hour of AOA Category 2-A CME credits, UNE COM designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)TM, and 1.0 University of New England contact hour for non-physicians.
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Provider ID:
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Event ID:
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Competencies: Communications Skill
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Learning Level: Awareness
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Companion Trainings: None
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Supplemental materials: None
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Pre-requisites: None
About this Webinar
As labor and delivery unit closures across Maine continue to shift care delivery, developing practice models to build capacity is essential to support high-quality outcomes for patients and long-term sustainability of the healthcare workforce. This learning event will highlight the importance of evidence-based debriefing as a foundation for healing and resiliency among patients, families, and health professionals after traumatic events and/or loss during pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and during early childhood. Participants will learn practical, standardized approaches and tools to conduct and normalize effective debriefs that improve patient outcomes while reducing provider burnout and secondary traumatic stress. Participants will gain insight from those with lived experience to understand the beneficial impact of debriefing practices.
Learning Objectives
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Articulate the importance of structured debriefing following traumatic perinatal events, including its role in mitigating secondary trauma, supporting provider well-being, and improving patient care outcomes.
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Describe evidence-informed strategies to facilitate effective, trauma-informed debriefing conversations that promote psychological safety, reflection, and shared understanding among care teams.
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Identify key resources and practical tools that support the planning, facilitation, and follow-up of effective debriefing after traumatic perinatal events.
Subject Matter Expert(s)
Kelley Bowden, MS, RN
Kelley Bowden is currently working for the state of Maine, Office of MaineCare Services, as the Perinatal Rural Regional Planning Liaison for the TMAH grant. Kelley began her career in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Maine Medical Center in Portland, ME, first as a nurse, then as a neonatal nurse practitioner and leading the NICU transport team. In that role, she developed relationships with community hospitals and transitioned to state Perinatal Outreach Education Coordinator. Since retiring in 2021, Kelley has worked on several projects for the state of Maine, including the AIM hypertension bundle implementation, a preterm labor algorithm pilot program, piloting a data collection tool for maternal fetal transports, and as a consultant for the Maternal Mortality Review Committee through fall 2025.
Bekah Elrod
Bekah is a maternal health advocate, former educator, and mother of four who draws from her own near-death experience with severe preeclampsia, HELLP Syndrome, and postpartum anxiety to champion change in maternal care. Her story, featured in USA Today's "Deadly Deliveries" series, has helped raise national awareness about birth trauma and systemic gaps in care. Bekah previously served as the National Program Manager at MoMMA’s Voices where she developed training for and led perinatal quality collaboratives and hospitals to guide them in meaningful integration of patient voices into quality improvement efforts, bridging the gap between clinical care and lived experience. She is passionate about ensuring the lived experience is integrated into healthcare systems and policy decisions. Bekah now serves at the National Engagement Director for Mammha.
Rob Reider, SAD DADS CLUB
Rob Reider is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of SAD DADS CLUB – a nonprofit providing grief support, both non-clinical and professional, to bereaved fathers all over the world. He is also a musician, husband, and father living in Falmouth Maine with his wife, son Dallas, and daughter-in-the-stars Lila.
Enrollment and Contact Hours
Select the Enroll button below to register for the course. If you have any trouble accessing the course, contact support@nephtc.org.
Acknowledgement: This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of award 2 UB6HP31685‐05‐00 “Public Health Training Centers.” The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.This training was supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $400,000 with 100% funded by HRSA/HHS and 0% funded by nongovernment source(s). The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA/HHS, or the U.S. Government.
* Yale School of Public Health, Office of Public Health Practice, a New England Public Health Training Center partner, is a designated provider of continuing education contact hours (CECH) in health education by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. All CHES credit inquiries are managed by YSPH
Registration
Select the Enroll Me button below to register for this recording. If you have any trouble accessing the recording, contact support@nephtc.org.
Acknowledgement: This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of award 2 UB6HP31685‐05‐00 “Public Health Training Centers.” The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.
Conections in Primary Care.png
Connections and Belonging
in Health: Primary Care Influencers
How do
barriers to primary care impact outcomes, and how can we improve both patient
and provider satisfaction with primary care?
How do barriers to primary care impact outcomes, and how can we improve both patient and provider satisfaction with primary care?
Course Information
- Audience: Primary Care Providers, All public health professionals working in nonprofits, healthcare, educational institutions, government and private sector
- Format: Recorded Webinar
- Date/Time: April 2nd, 2026 1 hour
- Price: Free
- Length: 1 hour
- Credential(s) eligible for contact
If you are not seeking a CHES/MCHES contact hours, if you complete the post-test and evaluation, you will receive a Certificate of Completion. The Certificate will include the length of the course. NEPHTC is a designated provider of continuing education contact hours (CECH) in health education by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. This program is designated for Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES) and/or Master Certified Health Education Specialists (MCHES) to receive up to 1 total Category I continuing education contact hours. Maximum advanced-level continuing education contact hours are 1.
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Provider ID:
-
Event ID:
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Competencies: Community Dimensions of Practice Skills
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Learning Level: Awareness
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Companion Trainings: None
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Supplemental materials: None
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Pre-requisites: None
About this Webinar
Access to primary care is a cornerstone of health system effectiveness and patient well-being, yet in many regions, patients face unacceptably long wait times, sometimes exceeding two years, for an appointment with a primary care provider. These barriers to timely care not only undermine patient health outcomes but also erode the sense of belonging and connection that is vital to effective, person-centered health care. When individuals cannot access primary care, they are forced to seek help in urgent care or emergency room settings, which are ill-equipped to manage ongoing, preventative, or chronic health needs, and where continuity of care is often lost. This shift away from primary care disrupts the development of trusting patient-provider relationships, limits opportunities for holistic health management, and ultimately harms patient satisfaction and outcomes. The consequences of long waiting lists are compounded by high turnover among primary care providers, a trend driven by burnout, excessive workloads, and dissatisfaction with practice environments. When providers leave the workforce, continuity of care is further disrupted, and the remaining staff face even greater pressure, perpetuating a cycle of attrition and access challenges. Burnout and low job satisfaction are particularly acute among primary care clinicians, with studies showing that burnout directly predicts turnover and negatively impacts both provider and patient well-being. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-pronged approach. Increased funding for training and incentives for family nurse practitioners, physician associates, and physicians, especially those willing to practice in underserved areas, is essential to expand the primary care workforce. Equally important is the creation of practice settings that support healthy work-life balance, foster supportive team environments, and promote provider well-being. By investing in both workforce expansion and practice environment improvements, we can reduce wait times, enhance access to care, and restore the sense of belonging that is central to effective primary care.
Learning Objectives
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Discuss the challenges of access to primary care that limits connection and belonging in health in Maine.
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Identify opportunities to improve connection and belonging in health that are influenced by primary care in Maine.
Subject Matter Expert(s)
Colleen Marzilli, PhD, DNP, MBA, APRN, FNP-BC, PHNA-BC, NEA-BC, CNE, CCM, MedSurg-BC, FNAP
Dr. Colleen Marzilli is a nurse leader, educator, and Family Nurse Practitioner dedicated to advancing nursing education, workforce development, and health equity. She serves as a professor at the University of Maine School of Nursing and Executive Director of the American Nurses Association–Maine, where she leads initiatives that strengthen nursing practice, advocacy, and professional development across the state. She also serves the community providing care in an urgent care setting. Dr. Marzilli is nationally recognized for her work in innovative teaching, patient-honoring care, leadership development, and integrating emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, into nursing education and healthcare practice.
Enrollment and Contact Hours
Select the Enroll button below to register for the course. If you have any trouble accessing the course, contact support@nephtc.org.
Acknowledgement: This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of award 2 UB6HP31685‐05‐00 “Public Health Training Centers.” The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.This training was supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $400,000 with 100% funded by HRSA/HHS and 0% funded by nongovernment source(s). The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA/HHS, or the U.S. Government.
* Yale School of Public Health, Office of Public Health Practice, a New England Public Health Training Center partner, is a designated provider of continuing education contact hours (CECH) in health education by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. All CHES credit inquiries are managed by YSPH
Registration
Select the Enroll Me button below to register for this recording. If you have any trouble accessing the recording, contact support@nephtc.org.
Acknowledgement: This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of award 2 UB6HP31685‐05‐00 “Public Health Training Centers.” The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.
Course Information
- Audience: All public health professionals working in nonprofits, healthcare, educational institutions, government and private sector
- Format: Webinar
- Date/Time: January 22nd, 2026 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM ET.
- Price: Free
- Length: 3 hours
- Credential(s) eligible for contact hours: Sponsored by New England Public Health Training Center (NEPHTC), a designated provider of continuing education contact hours (CECH) in health education by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. This program is designated for Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES) and/or Master Certified Health Education Specialists (MCHES) to receive up to 1 total Category I continuing education contact hours. Maximum advanced-level continuing education contact hours are 1. Provider ID: Event ID: .If you are not seeking a CHES/MCHES contact hours, if you complete the post-test and evaluation, you will receive a Certificate of Completion. The Certificate will include the length of the course.
- Competencies: Community Dimensions of Practice Skill
- Learning Level: Awareness
- Companion Trainings: None
- Supplemental materials:Click here for additional details on the agenda and presenters
- Pre-requisites: None
About this Webinar
This workshop training will feature innovative and community-centered partnerships across Maine that are working to bridge service gaps and improve family, maternal, and child health outcomes. The focus of the presentations will be on improving social isolation, including in rural and underserved communities. Together, these examples will illustrate how Maine is weaving together policy, peer support, and technological innovation to strengthen family wellness across the state. The Maine Doula Coalition and The Maine Women's Lobby underscore how doula and childbirth education services foster social support, reduce isolation, and improve maternal mental health, with doulas serving as vital connectors in rural communities. The Maine State Breastfeeding Coalition spotlights how parent support groups build community resilience, improve parental confidence, enable peer relationships, foster long-term mutual support, and reduce loneliness. Maine Family Planning shares about their pilot of the Mammha smartphone app and how it improves access to perinatal mental health care and support. The app integrates screening, SMS check-ins, peer support, mindfulness tools, and telehealth counseling, delivering critical care via digital platforms.
Presentations
Maine Doula Coalition and Maine Women's Lobby: Community-Based Solutions to the Maternal Health Crisis: Doulas Improving Social Support for Birthing People ● Sarah Tewhey, Maine Doula Coalition ● LeAnne Dunham, Maine Doula Coalition ● Lily James, Maine Women's Lobby
Maine State Breastfeeding Coalition: From Isolation to Empowerment: How New Parent Support Groups Build Community and Confidence in Maine ● Moderator: Kara Kaikini, Maine State Breastfeeding Coalition ● Lulu Churchill, Nature's Hand Maine ● Sarah Hand, Bangor Public Health ● Emily Eastman, MaineHealth Center for Health Improvement ● Abby Pitts, Birth Roots
Mammha, MaineHealth RMOMS Grant, and Maine Family Planning: Using Technology to Bridge The Gap and Provide Critical Perinatal Mental Health Support ● Mathew Scease, Maine Family Planning ● Bekah Elrod, Mammha ● Katherine R. “Kate” Crothers, MaineHealth
Learning Objectives
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Understand gaps in perinatal and maternal healthcare by exploring how doulas, childbirth education, and innovative community-based strategies can enhance social support and improve health outcomes.
- Identify community-based strategies to reduce social isolation and boost confidence among new parents, and outline steps to replicate or support similar models.
- Understand the risks of isolation, poverty, and limited access to health care faced byperinatal individuals in rural Maine, and their relationship to a successful smartphone‑based support app pilot.
Enrollment and Contact Hours
Select the Enroll button below to register for the course. If you have any trouble accessing the course, contact support@nephtc.org.
Acknowledgement: This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of award 2 UB6HP31685‐05‐00 “Public Health Training Centers.” The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.This training was supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $400,000 with 100% funded by HRSA/HHS and 0% funded by nongovernment source(s). The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA/HHS, or the U.S. Government.
* Yale School of Public Health, Office of Public Health Practice, a New England Public Health Training Center partner, is a designated provider of continuing education contact hours (CECH) in health education by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. All CHES credit inquiries are managed by YSPH
Registration
Select the Enroll Me button below to register for this recording. If you have any trouble accessing the recording, contact support@nephtc.org.
Acknowledgement: This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of award 2 UB6HP31685‐05‐00 “Public Health Training Centers.” The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.
Using Stories and Data to Engage Decision-Makers and Advance Transportation Access
What does it mean to be transportation insecure?
And why should it matter to public health practitioners?
Course Information
- Audience: All public health professionals working in nonprofits, healthcare, educational institutions, government and private sector
- Format: Webinar
- Date/Time: January 8th, 2026 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM ET.
- Price: Free
- Length: 1 hour
- Credential(s) eligible for contact hours: Sponsored by New England Public Health Training Center (NEPHTC), a designated provider of continuing education contact hours (CECH) in health education by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. This program is designated for Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES) and/or Master Certified Health Education Specialists (MCHES) to receive up to 1 total Category I continuing education contact hours. Maximum advanced-level continuing education contact hours are 1. Provider ID: Event ID: .If you are not seeking a CHES/MCHES contact hours, if you complete the post-test and evaluation, you will receive a Certificate of Completion. The Certificate will include the length of the course.
- Competencies: Communications
- Learning Level: Awareness
- Companion Trainings: None
- Supplemental materials:None
- Pre-requisites: None
About this Webinar
Transportation plays a central role in our lives. However, many Mainers lack safe, affordable, and reliable transportation, leading to missed job opportunities, medical care, and social connections. Until now, no comprehensive data existed on how widespread these barriers are and their impact on the health and quality of life of Mainers. The difficulty of measuring this problem has contributed to it being minimized and overlooked. In 2024, the Moving Maine Network set out to address this gap in knowledge by collecting qualitative and quantitative data. Using the Transportation Security Index and a story collection approach, they developed a report called “Try to Imagine It’s You” that is being used to educate and influence decision-makers and help advance effective policy. This webinar will provide an overview of the report and a discussion of education and advocacy efforts.
Learning Objectives
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Define transportation insecurity and identify how it’s impacting Maine people.
- Discuss how stories and data can be used to help decision-makers understand and respond to transportation barriers.
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Subject Matter Expert(s)
Zoe Miller, MPH
Zoe has over 25 years of experience building healthy, equitable communities through inclusive engagement and collaborative strategies. Growing up in Springvale, Maine, Zoe learned about civic engagement from watching her mother serve on municipal boards and fight speeding on their village road. Working for the Opportunity Alliance in community and public health initiatives, she became passionate about transportation access as a key to advancing health and opportunity. At the Greater Portland Council of Governments from 2017-2021, she led an intersectional team to establish the Mobility for All Program and partnered to launch the Moving Maine Network. Zoe lives in Portland and uses the bus for transportation whenever possible.
Enrollment and Contact Hours
Select the Enroll button below to register for the course. If you have any trouble accessing the course, contact support@nephtc.org.
Acknowledgement: This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of award 2 UB6HP31685‐05‐00 “Public Health Training Centers.” The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.This training was supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $400,000 with 100% funded by HRSA/HHS and 0% funded by nongovernment source(s). The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA/HHS, or the U.S. Government.
* Yale School of Public Health, Office of Public Health Practice, a New England Public Health Training Center partner, is a designated provider of continuing education contact hours (CECH) in health education by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. All CHES credit inquiries are managed by YSPH
Registration
Select the Enroll Me button below to register for this recording. If you have any trouble accessing the recording, contact support@nephtc.org.
Acknowledgement: This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of award 2 UB6HP31685‐05‐00 “Public Health Training Centers.” The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.
Community Voices in Cancer Prevention and Control: Maine’s Collaborative Approach to Shaping the 2021–2030 Cancer Plan
How can community engagement strengthen the development of strategic plans?
Course Information
- Audience: All public health professionals working in nonprofits, healthcare, educational institutions, government and private sector
- Format: Webinar
- Date/Time: December 4th, 2025 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM ET.
- Price: Free
- Length: 1 hour
- Credential(s) eligible for contact hours: Sponsored by New England Public Health Training Center (NEPHTC), a designated provider of continuing education contact hours (CECH) in health education by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. This program is designated for Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES) and/or Master Certified Health Education Specialists (MCHES) to receive up to 1 total Category I continuing education contact hours. Maximum advanced-level continuing education contact hours are 1. Provider ID: Event ID: .If you are not seeking a CHES/MCHES contact hours, if you complete the post-test and evaluation, you will receive a Certificate of Completion. The Certificate will include the length of the course.
- Competencies: Community Dimensions of Practice Skills
- Learning Level: Awareness
- Companion Trainings: None
- Supplemental materials:None
- Pre-requisites: None
About this Webinar
Cancer remains a leading cause of death in Maine, with persistent disparities in prevention, screening, treatment, and survivorship. In preparation for expanding the Maine Cancer Plan 2021 – 2025 through 2030, the Maine CDC’s Comprehensive Cancer Control Program collaborated with Partnerships For Health to implement a robust, community-centered engagement process. This multi-phase approach included a statewide survey, two virtual listening sessions, and an in-person Summit - each designed to elevate local voices, build connections, and shape shared priorities for action. This presentation will share key themes from the engagement process, highlight examples of how community connections strengthened the planning process, and offer practical insights for embedding comprehensiveness, transparency, and collaboration into statewide public health strategies. Attendees will leave with engagement strategies that can be applied to other chronic disease planning initiatives, particularly those seeking to bridge social divides and foster trust through authentic dialogue.
Learning Objectives
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Explain how community engagement methods such as surveys, listening sessions, and summits can be used to surface and prioritize public health strategies.
- Describe two or more strategies for building authentic community connections to inform and strengthen statewide public health planning efforts.
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Subject Matter Expert(s)
Becky Pearce, MA
Michelle Mitchell, MSocSc
Becky is the Health Program Manager for the Maine CDC Comprehensive Cancer Control Program. She came to Maine CDC from the world of academia after teaching communication classes at various colleges in the U.S. for 20 years. Becky began working for the tobacco program at Maine CDC in May of 2008. She was hired to oversee the media contract for the program as well as to work with two rural public health districts on physical activity, nutrition, and tobacco. In 2012 she began working with the cancer program and moved into the Program Manager position in 2022. Since then she has worked on cancer prevention, promoting the US Preventive Services Task Force cancer screening recommendations, HPV vaccinations, radon testing, lung cancer screening, and has been involved with the updating of multiple cancer plans. Becky holds a BA and a MA in communication from the University of North Dakota.
Michelle is the Founder and Executive Director of Partnerships For Health, where she serves as Principal Investigator for statewide and community-based evaluations. She earned her Master of Social Science in Clinical Psychology from the University of Natal in South Africa, following a Bachelor of Commerce with Honors in Psychology and a Bachelor of Commerce in Information Systems and Psychology from Rhodes University. She began her public health career in rural South Africa, supporting HIV/AIDS clinical trials, and has since led more than 85 evaluations in Maine spanning chronic disease prevention, health systems change, and community engagement. With expertise in evaluation design, stakeholder engagement, and facilitation, Michelle is known for fostering collaboration across sectors and ensuring that diverse voices are meaningfully integrated into public health decision-making.
Enrollment and Contact Hours
Select the Enroll button below to register for the course. If you have any trouble accessing the course, contact support@nephtc.org.
Acknowledgement: This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of award 2 UB6HP31685‐05‐00 “Public Health Training Centers.” The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.This training was supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $400,000 with 100% funded by HRSA/HHS and 0% funded by nongovernment source(s). The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA/HHS, or the U.S. Government.
* Yale School of Public Health, Office of Public Health Practice, a New England Public Health Training Center partner, is a designated provider of continuing education contact hours (CECH) in health education by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. All CHES credit inquiries are managed by YSPH
Registration
Select the Enroll Me button below to register for this recording. If you have any trouble accessing the recording, contact support@nephtc.org.
Acknowledgement: This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of award 2 UB6HP31685‐05‐00 “Public Health Training Centers.” The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.
One Document to Find Them All: Mapping Maine’s State Plans That Impact
Health
Tired of digging through agency websites to find state plans? What if every health-related plan in Maine, across all sectors, were organized, searchable, and easy to use in one place?
Course Information
- Audience: All public health professionals working in nonprofits, healthcare, educational institutions, government and private sector
- Format: Webinar
- Date/Time: September 4, 2025 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM ET.
- Price: Free
- Length: 1 hour
- Credential(s) eligible for contact hours: Sponsored by New England Public Health Training Center (NEPHTC), a designated provider of continuing education contact hours (CECH) in health education by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. This program is designated for Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES) and/or Master Certified Health Education Specialists (MCHES) to receive up to 1 total Category I continuing education contact hours. Maximum advanced-level continuing education contact hours are 1. Provider ID: Event ID: .If you are not seeking a CHES/MCHES contact hours, if you complete the post-test and evaluation, you will receive a Certificate of Completion. The Certificate will include the length of the course.
- Competencies: Communication Skills
- Learning Level: Awareness
- Companion Trainings: None
- Supplemental materials:Slides and follow-up email with any links mentioned during presentation
- Pre-requisites: None
About this Webinar
Maine has dozens of state-level plans that influence health from transportation and emergency preparedness to education and chronic disease prevention. But until now, there hasn’t been a single place to find, compare, and understand them all. In this webinar, Gentille Sandy shares the process and product of a practicum project with the Maine Public Health Association that brings these diverse plans together into one centralized, searchable tool. Learn how the resource was built, what it reveals, and how it can support more strategic, coordinated action across Maine’s public health and government landscape.
What you'll learn
- Understand the process used to identify, extract, and organize Maine’s state-level plans.
- Use the completed document to identify key plan elements, including goals, metrics, recommendations, and funding sources
- Recognize how a centralized tool can support alignment, grant writing, advocacy, and cross-sector planning.
- Explore opportunities to build on this resource through collaboration, updates, or further analysis.
-
Subject Matter Expert
Gentille
Sandy, RN,
Maine Medical Center
Gentille Sandy, RN, MPH Candidate, is an emergency department nurse at Maine Medical Center in Portland with eight years of clinical experience in pediatrics, gastroenterology, and emergency medicine. Pursuing a Master of Public Health with a concentration in Women, Youth, and Child Health, she brings a systems-thinking approach and a commitment to cross-sector collaboration. Passionate about advancing health equity and supporting vulnerable populations, she aims to leverage her clinical expertise to drive meaningful change in public health policy and practice.
Enrollment and Contact Hours
Select the Enroll button below to register for the course. If you have any trouble accessing the course, contact support@nephtc.org.
Acknowledgement: This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of award 2 UB6HP31685‐05‐00 “Public Health Training Centers.” The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.
This training was supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $400,000 with 100% funded by HRSA/HHS and
0% funded by nongovernment source(s). The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA/HHS, or the U.S. Government.
* Yale School of Public Health, Office of Public Health Practice, a New England Public Health Training Center partner, is a designated provider of continuing education contact hours (CECH) in health education by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. All CHES credit inquiries are managed by YSPH
Registration
Select the Enroll Me button below to register for this recording. If you have any trouble accessing the recording, contact support@nephtc.org.
Acknowledgement: This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of award 2 UB6HP31685‐05‐00 “Public Health Training Centers.” The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.