Role of Faith-Based Communities in Role of Faith-Based Communities in Improving HealthImproving Health

Kansas Public Health Association, Kansas Public Health Association, Inc.Inc.

2006 Fall Conference2006 Fall Conference

IntroductionIntroduction

• United Methodist Health Ministry Fund, Hutchinson

• Healthy Congregations in Action—current major effort with 27 projects/30 congregations

• Other congregational efforts

Background/NeedBackground/Need

• Social Support –for change• Why congregations?

1. captured audience2. built-in support structure3. more control of culture/environment4. existing communications channels5. all generations6. ability to offer depth and breadth7. faith as motivator/discipline

Congregational InterventionsCongregational Interventions

• Parish nurses—congregational ministers of health and wellness

• Children and youth programming

• Senior programming

• Physical activities

• Facilities

• Community outreach

Goals/Objectives for Healthy Goals/Objectives for Healthy Congregations in ActionCongregations in Action

• To build the capacity of congregations to undertake health ministries

• To create a vision of health in the church which is holistic (physical, mental, social and spiritual)

• To develop programs meeting locally-determined health needs

• To change the culture of the congregation into a health building one

Who Is Involved?Who Is Involved?

• Thirty Kansas United Methodist Churches

• Judy Johnston and others at KU School of Medicine, Wichita

• Area Committee of United Methodist Church—Healthy Lifestyles

• Staff of Health Ministry Fund

• Community partners

The InterventionThe Intervention

• Application process/grant awards• Communications resources• Congregational outcomes-based planning• Regional trainings• Technical assistance• Self-care workshops• Integration into Healthy Congregations

programming

Progress or ResultsProgress or Results

• 27 of 30 projects active (3 drop-outs)

• Results just being analyzed from first six months

• Anecdotes

• National interest

Expected ImpactExpected Impact

• Improved individual health assessments

• Continuing physical activity programs

• Improved health policies for congregations

• Adoption of small change health behaviors

• Efficacy for congregations

ApplicationApplication

Faith communities:

Have interest in health

Have resources

Offer social support naturally

Can reach people of all ages

Need help with vision, organization and content