The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #41487

Sara Moore, MPH¹, Mary E. Walsh, PhD², Rose Zayco¹, and H. John McDargh, PhD³. (1) Department of Counseling, Developmental & Educational Psychology, Boston College, 111 Campion Hall, 140 Commonwealth Avenue, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, 617-552-0764, mooresara@yahoo.com, (2) Department of Counseling, Developmental and Educational Psychology, Boston College Lynch School of Education, 305C Campion Hall, 140 Commonwealth Avenue, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, (3) Department of Theology, Boston College College of Arts & Sciences, 401 Carney Hall, 140 Commonwealth Avenue, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467

Introduction: There is increasing recognition of the potential role of faith-based communities in addressing difficult health problems.¹ People with serious mental illness are among the most marginalized of the U.S. population. Adults and children who suffer from mental illness are under-treated and face barriers to accessing mental health services.² This study sought to create evaluation criteria for faith-based services to this population within Roman Catholic faith communities.

Methods: We used both qualitative and quantitative methods to assess local, regional, and national Catholic activities for persons with mental illness (PMI). We interviewed leaders of national Catholic organizations, family members of PMI, and conducted focus groups with local church staff. We conducted telephone surveys about activities for PMI with regional Catholic offices for disabilities ministries and Catholic hospitals. We searched for all Catholic programs targeting PMI.

Results: Communities with an intentional disabilities ministry were more likely to offer activities or services for PMI compared to those with no disabilities ministry (73% vs. 27%). Church staff reported a lack of training about mental illness and little knowledge about resources for persons with mental illness. Existing innovative programs identified as "promising programs" have a spiritual, educational, advocacy, prevention, or family support component, or link local churches to community mental health services.

Outcomes: Based on the results of the assessment, we developed criteria for creating and evaluating faith-based programs that will address the needs of PMI within faith communities. Our future work will include providing training, seed money, and evaluation for both existing promising programs and innovative new programs.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to identify the criteria for creating a faith community-based program for persons with serious mental illness.

Keywords: Faith Community, Mental Illness

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.