Faith Communities Partner with Public Health Nurses in Public Health Advocacy

Background and Issue: Public health has a history of using faith communities as a venue for distributing health messages, supporting public health programs, and serving as sites for public health research and education. Addressing inequities in human wellbeing is a theological tenet of many faith communities. Recognizing the faith community as an equal partner in promoting "healthy public policy" would strengthen the public health sector's advocacy role. Description: This presentation includes an analysis of health advocacy activities of one state's Council of Churches (Council) related to the Patient Rights and Affordable Care Act (ACA). Pre-passage, Council leadership initiated partnerships whereby accurate information about ACA was disseminated to congregations statewide with the intent of expanding advocacy for policies that increase access to affordable health care and health promotion resources. Post-passage, accurate information about policy implementation and related health resources was disseminated. New health policy development, advocacy, and implementation partnerships were developed between clergy, Council leaders, faith community nurses, public health nurses, and other health advocates. Lessons Learned: The language of social justice is common to public health nurses and clerical leaders. Advocacy for policies to improve the health of underserved populations expands when the faith community becomes a policy development partner. Recommendations: Public health nurses should consider partnering with faith communities at state and local levels in public health advocacy efforts. Local health departments should recognize clergy, parish nurses, and faith communities as potential partners in developing health policy advocacy and initiating efforts to improve human well-being.