Kelly Loomis, project coordinator for Steps to a HealthierPA-Fayette County, is looking for people who are interested in health and fitness and have a desire to help people in their churches.
Those are the only two requirements needed for Fayette County residents to receive training through a new program called Health Ministries Initiative. An orientation and overview of the program will be offered from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Mount St. Macrina House of Prayer, 500 W. Main St., Uniontown.
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The program's ultimate goal is to get local church members involved in helping to improve the health and fitness of residents, according to Loomis.
Loomis explained that her group decided to launch the program after reviewing health statistics in the community and a social conditions study conducted through the Human Services Council.
"We know that people go to their churches for information," she said. "That's where people look for guidance and assistance, especially in the rural areas of the county. We know that people do attend church. It's a good way of reaching people in the community."
Loomis explained that at Tuesday's orientation an overview of the program will be given to people representing local churches, who will have an opportunity to ask questions about how it works.
"We want to actually teach people how to lead a health ministry in their churches," she said. "But we want to stress that they don't have to be from a health-care background to become a health minister. They need to have a strong interest in health and a strong desire to help people in their church. That's really all that is required."
All churches represented at the orientation will receive "Walk of Jerusalem" materials for their congregation. The materials were developed as a tool to motivate congregation members to become physically active while encouraging spiritual growth through Bible verses and devotions throughout the season of Lent and Easter, according to Loomis.
In addition, two free training sessions will be held on March 29 and April 26. Attendance is required at both sessions for successful completion of the course. All materials to begin health ministry will be provided to each congregation that participates.
Loomis said the ultimate goal is to get enough local churches to participate, so the health ministers can begin focusing on different parts of the county.
"We would be happy if we could get 15 churches to participate as a starting point and hopefully grow in subsequent years," she said. "A health minister can be anyone who has an interest in health and wants to help their fellow congregation members. There could even be more than one member from each church who might be interested in the program."
As rates of heart disease, diabetes and cancer increase, Loomis explained that many residents are unaware of the resources available to them.
"A newly diagnosed diabetic may be afraid of what is to come or unaware of the classes available in his community," Loomis said. "He may become isolated or unwilling to participate in events for fear that his needs won't be accommodated.
"A health minister could be a resource to help identify community resources and ensure that church events offer healthful options that are appropriate for the needs of all members of the faith community," she added.
Through the program, Loomis explained that the churches could serve as referral sources.
"The health ministers will know where to send people," Loomis said. "People don't know what is available in their communities. We're hoping that churches will start making small changes, like offering whole grain muffins and fruit after services instead of serving doughnuts. But the changes could be even much bigger depending on how far the church wants to take it."
In today's health-care environment, Loomis said people are increasingly responsible for their personal health.
"Yet, how does one keep up with the ever-expanding amount of new health information?" Loomis asked. "And who does one turn to with questions after being discharged from a hospital stay?"
Loomis said the answer could be in the form of health ministry teams who attend to the health and wellness of church members.
Health ministry teams will work toward the goal of improving the statistics in any of the seven priority areas identified by Steps to a HealthierPA-Fayette County. Those areas include obesity, diabetes, asthma, nutrition, physical activity, tobacco use and high blood pressure.
Loomis said the health ministry team can focus on access to community health resources, prevention, early detection and disease management or add health issues as they are identified.
Health ministry is designed to address the health of the entire person, including body, mind and spirit, according to Loomis.
"Health ministers are volunteers who have an interest in or who feel called to serve God and their congregation in ministries of health, wholeness and healing," Loomis said.
Generally, health ministers will be trained to:
- Recognize risk factors associated with certain chronic diseases.
- Recommend ways to detect, manage and prevent these health problems.
- Refer people to community health resources.
- Conduct health information, screening and referral programs for their congregation membership.
- Ensure that congregation members have access to healthful choices at all church functions.
- Health ministers will use their knowledge of their churches/organizations to identify health issues and determine how best to hold programs, using the resources and support the health ministry team provides.
For more information or to register for the program, call 724-439-1484 or visit www.stepstoahealthierfayettecounty.org.
Updated 01/19/2008 11:00:24 PM EST
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