ProjectECHO: Working with Community Health Workers for Improved Clinical Care

Challenges in accessing health care for new immigrant families in the Greater Portland area became acute during the pandemic, and still persist and need urgent attention.  Maine Medical Center’s Preventive Medicine Enhancement for Maine program will continue its ProjectECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) series starting in October 2022, with a focus on Working with Community Health Workers for Improved Clinical Care.   The focus of the sessions will expand to be directed at clinical caregivers. This monthly series successfully educated providers, community members, public health professionals and clinical teams on strategies to improve patient care for immigrant communities in Maine. Presenters shared the lived experiences of disenfranchised populations, highlighted the role of community health workers (CHWs), and created a platform for meaningful dialogue.

The upcoming series will use the standard ECHO interactive format – brief didactics and case presentations on the second Tuesday of the month 12-1pm on zoom.  We will utilize expertise from our community based organizations and local CHWs to address the following topics: community engagement, cultural context, language barriers and immigration status; Newborn and Child health services; Maternal Care; vaccinations and Immunizations; Cancer Screening; Mental Health; language and cultural barriers; managing inpatient and outpatient care transitions. To register, click here

Some upcoming ECHO series

Adult Neurology

4th Thursday of each month 7:30-8:30am

September 22, 2022 – May 25, 2023

ECHO Hub Team: Megan Selvitell, MD, Clifton Lewis, MD & Stephanie Hackett

Who should register: primary care providers who would like to learn more about treating neurologic disorders in their offices

Topics to include: migraines, dementia, management of first time seizures, sleep, stroke management

Registration Link: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/8bc0e3b16fa44385b97436885b51cfe2

Clinical Research

4th Wednesday of each month 12:00 – 1:00pm

September 28, 2022 – June 28, 2023

ECHO Hub Team: Ivette Emery, PhD, Carrie Sullivan, Lisbeth Wierda & Meredith Oestreicher

Who should register: anyone who is interested in or currently conducting research as part of their clinical practice

Topics to include: practice-based research, grant application tips, funding opportunities, study designs and analysis, and how to obtain data from your EMR

Registration Link: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/4da5afb9a1f74f1592234812a6251ee5


Transgender Healthcare

2nd Thursday of each month 8:00 – 9:00am

October 13, 2022 – May 11, 2023

ECHO Hub Team: Brock Libby, MD, Brandy Brown & Toni Eimicke

Who should register: MaineHealth primary care practioners and support staff who would like to learn more about supporting the medical, social and emotional health of trans patients in their offices

Registration Link: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/cb60313f7f8242f1bd2d64ae646a6d1c

Working with Community Health Workers for Improved Clinical Care

2nd Tuesday of each month 12:00 – 1:00pm

October 11, 2022 – May 9, 2023

ECHO Hub Team: Renee Wolff, MD, Tina Holt, MD & Marin Johnson

Who should register: clinical caregivers interested in strategies to improve patient care for immigrants under their care

For more information: please see attached document

Registration Link: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/608e5abc85aa4488bf313ac2c82c8e70