Blog
Mills Administration Launches $1.5 Million Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan Initiative to Promote Health Care Careers
- By: Angela Westhoff
- On: 05/12/2022 13:01:33
- In: Workforce
The Departments of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and Labor (DOL) are collaborating on the campaigns to promote entry-level and other health care jobs as stepping stones to rewarding careers, particularly among young people in Maine.
DHHS has partnered with a number of groups and associations, including MHCA, to launch a social media campaign to highlight entry level positions throughout the healthcare field. Live and Work in Maine is already promoting the website with employers and will launch social media, digital, mobile and TV ads as well as in-person events. Learn more here.
Caring for ME: In a more targeted effort to attract and develop direct care and behavioral health workers in Maine, the administration has launched Caring for ME, a complementary campaign that includes social media advertising, in-person events, and a new website where individuals can explore careers, find job openings from the Maine Department of Labor's Maine JobLink directory, and read stories that highlight the importance and meaningful nature of direct care and behavioral health work in Maine.
HealthCare Training for ME: Earlier this month, the administration announced the Healthcare Training for ME initiative to connect individuals and employers with training resources, such as adult education, community colleges, and universities. This initiative also includes scholarship programs, career navigators, and student loan relief programs to help people interested in health care careers determine the right career path for them.
“The pandemic has taken its toll on the health care workforce at a time when more caregivers are needed to meet demand. Maine is at a pivotal time in terms of our response to the staffing crisis,” said Angela Westhoff, President and CEO of the Maine Health Care Association. “These recruitment campaigns rest on the foundation that it takes a special person to be a caregiver and work in the healthcare field. Our caregivers are not only providing an important service, but are often the eyes, ears and voices of those for whom they care. MHCA is pleased to partner with the Administration on tangible recruitment and retention solutions, like the Caring For Me campaign and partnership with Live and Work in Maine, that will encourage more people to enter this noble field and provide clear pathways for advancement as well.”
Staff contact: awesthoff@mehca.org