HALLOWELL — MCD Global Health has been selected as one of only 48 public health organizations nationwide to receive funding from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to bolster public health systems and services.

This cooperative agreement is the largest umbrella funding at CDC and positions MCD Global Health as a national technical adviser, providing community-based organizations across the country with capacity building assistance, including training and technical support.

In the face of evolving challenges, such as workforce shortages and the need for stronger public health infrastructure, the community-based public health workforce is essential. MCD’s work under this opportunity will strengthen that workforce, which plays a pivotal role in managing emergency responses, addressing chronic conditions, reducing health disparities, and advancing health equity, according to MCD Global Health’s website.
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“When we couple a strong and nimble workforce with modern health care infrastructure, we are able to better prepare our providers to deliver quality care,” U.S. Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, said in a news release from Elizabeth Foley, co-director of U.S. Programs, MCD Global Health. “While Maine’s rural communities present unique challenges in terms of accessing affordable care, this award from the CDC will bolster critical frontline work here in Maine and across the U.S., demonstrating that Maine is a national leader in strengthening public health in rural and underserved communities.”

For decades, MCD has trained thousands of public health professionals through tailored training, technical assistance and capacity building programs. Whether it is equipping health care professionals with blood pressure monitoring skills, training tomorrow’s health care workforce to utilize telehealth solutions to improve health access and outcomes or offering self-paced training to community health workers, MCD brings a wealth of expertise to the forefront, the website says.

“This is a game changer for MCD,” Foley said. “We have been providing technical assistance around the country, and this official designation as a national technical advisor partner allows us to significantly grow our reach and impact in the public health and health care landscapes.”

Through the CDC cooperative agreement, MCD will provide tailored training and support to community-based organizations working in their communities to address diverse public health issues. Core funding of $1 million over the next five years will serve as a foundation for these efforts. Additionally, MCD, and the other designated national partners, will have exclusive access to supplemental and emergency funding for high-impact public health projects, the website says.

MCD invites public health organizations, community-based groups, and other stakeholders to collaborate in efforts to strengthen the nation’s public health infrastructure. Stay informed about the latest training opportunities, technical assistance offerings, and ways to get involved by subscribing to the MCD mailing list at mcd.org/newsletter-subscribe.

This program is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as part of a financial assistance award totaling $1 million with 100% funding by the CDC/DHHS, the website says.