Latest News

To find out more about any of these stories call 207-890-0773.

6th annual Maine PASA Conference and Annual Meeting

The 6th annual Maine PASA Conference and Annual Meeting is on September 26th 8AM — 2PM, St. Paul's Center in Augusta. Read more about the conference.

Maine PASA has made some changes

This has been a busy spring and Maine PASA has made some changes. The annual event will be in September this year and work on the member development, strategic operations and fundraising have been named as top priorities. Check out the new Maine PASA brochure to see the new mission statement and mailing address. On June 1st Elise Scala moved from a position on the Board of Directors to fill the Executive Director position in an interim appointment. Barbara Asnes, who resigned from the Executive Director position has offered to serve on the Leadership Council and support funding development and future training initiatives. Elise will continue to work with Joyce Gagnon, our Program Assistant, to conduct activities to fulfill Maine PASA grants and participation in the Direct Care Worker Coalition, Consumers for Affordable Health, Kennebec Valley Organization, and Elder Issues Partnership. Stay tuned for updates in the October newsletter.

Interview with Elise and Joyce

Listen to an interview from December 11, 2007 with Elise and Joyce about Maine PASA. The interview was completed by our own on-air Maine PASA member Lorenzo Raffa. Here is a link to his podcasts as well.

View a Maine PASA Video Montage

Maine PASA Video Montage (running time 2:03 minutes)

NPR Report: Personal Assistant Wages

Listen to an NPR report on wage issues for personal assistants.

Recommendations for Establishing a Direct Care Worker Registry

While there were efforts to move forward with the registry this year, the Registry has not developed past an idea that all agree is a good one.

An act to implement phase 1 of the Direct Care Worker Registry work group recommendations

We envision a registry that serves as a central place where workers, consumers and employers can find information that will help promote professionalism, access and safety in the fields of personal care, direct support assistance and certified nursing assistance. Click here for more information

Maine PASA's Leadership Council

Leaders Wanted: Training Provided
The Maine PASA Leadership Council has become an essential part of the operations and governance of the Association. Active Worker members plan outreach activities, educate and advocate with policy makers. It is an important way Maine PASA helps give a voice to the direct care and support professions.

Maine Legislature Considers Direct Care Worker Bills

Quality Care through Quality Jobs is the goal!
Maine PASA is closely monitoring the following legislative initiatives that are now being considered by the State Legislature.

• An Act to Implement Phase I of the Direct Care Worker Registry Group Recommendations: This is phase one of a three phase plan to establish a broad direct care/support worker registry. Working closely with the Long Term Care ombudsmen we have already collected 10 bi-partisan sponsors for this bill to be heard by the Health and Human Services Committee.
• An Act to Increase Health Insurance Coverage among Frontline Direct Care Workers Providing Long-term Care: This bill is the direct result of the work of last years direct care worker study bill and will establish a demonstration program and change the Dirigo program in order to provide health insurance to workers. The Direct Care Worker Coalition is leading the charge on this and Maine PASA will provide workers and expertise to the process. This will be the key of a public "Health Care for Health Care Workers" campaign. Legislative news related to direct care and support workers will be fast breaking over the next few months. We'll be using this E-News Letter to keep you up to date in a timely way.

Legislative news related to direct care and support workers will be fast breaking over the next few months. We'll be using this E-News Letter to keep you up to date in a timely way. More Information

Walk-A-Mile In My Shoes

Download Walk-A-Mile In My Shoes Pamphlet
Maine PASA is sponsoring a campaign to invite community leaders to learn about our work first hand through the Walk-A-Mile In My Shoes program.