Maine to Receive $1million to Train Additional CNAs in LTC

• By: Anna Black
• On: 02/12/2026 13:40:11
• In: Legislative/Government Affairs

The Maine Health Care Association and the Maine Medical Association's Hanley Center for Health Leadership & Education have been awarded one million dollars to implement a certified nursing assistant workforce development initiative through a congressional earmark.

Their Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) Proposal was supported by Senator Angus King and Senator Susan Collins. The earmark for this project was included in the FY26 Labor, HHS, and Education Appropriations bill which passed both the House and Senate and was signed into law earlier this month.

“The Hanley Center for Health Leadership and Education is pleased to partner with the Maine Health Care Association to launch a statewide training program to augment the number of Certified Nurse Aides in Maine. Through investments in training and supportive services, this comprehensive workforce development initiative will help address the critical shortage of direct caregivers for older and disabled adults residing in long term care centers,” said Catherine Ryder, LCPC, NCC, ACS, Chair, Hanley Center Board.

MHCA President and CEO, Angela Cole Westhoff adds, “This funding will enable us to support our long term care providers to train hundreds of additional Certified Nurse Aides (CNAs) that are so desperately needed in Maine.” Funds will support adult education training materials, CNA training textbooks, workbooks, and other supplies, and will expand “Earn as you Learn” programs across the state.

This one-time investment will help expand training capacity and we look forward to updating members when we are ready to launch.
Staff contact: awesthoff[at]mehca.org