Merging the Paths of Faith and Health in a Partnership of Wellness

The social determinants of health often overlook spiritual indicators such as hope or reconciliation. Engaging faith communities can be lost within non spiritual language and yet they are critical partners in addressing these spiritual determinants that affect lifestyle and overall health. The expertise of the faith community is critical in addressing health concerns in their members. In a pilot program to address this discrepancy, one hospital engaged with churches utilizing an anonymous survey tool that projected immediate results on a large screen during their normal weekly service. With an electronic survey tool in hand, a 20 question lifestyle tool was administered. The survey included issues such as fear, forgiveness, relationships, self-image and stress which are believed to impact health and personal well-being. Within the month following the survey, church leaders assessed the data and created a congregational year-long health improvement plan which included sermon series, bible study, wellness coaching, sunday school classes and education forums all dependent on the personal faith communities assessment of their members needs. A key premise of the program is that one's spiritual well being serves as a catalyst for the lifestyle choices one might make. In the end, we learned that the incredible network of churches which exist in every community in America, is a key catalyst for improving health and the practice of health in a community.With the passing of the Affordable Care Act, creativity and innovation within health care will need programs such as this to create partnerships of care.