Parish Health Ministry in Your Church

Supported by donations, ERH's Parish Health Ministry assists congregations of all denominations throughout Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton and Southeastern Ohio develop or enhance their own parish nurse/health ministry.

ERH coordinators work closely with congregation members to develop the ministry for their church and/or the community. Parish-designated nurses, or Faith-Community nurses, and health ministers, who are typically volunteers from within the congregation, are trained and supported by ERH to plan, implement and enhance the ministry. These designated individuals are supported by a health cabinet, an interdisciplinary team of church volunteers. This team is committed to seeing that the church's "healing ministry" is carried out.

We now offer an Introduction to Parish Health Ministry Orientation Manual for those interested in starting a Parish Health Ministry in their church. Click here for more information.

Roles of Parish Nurses and Health Ministers:
Faith-Community nurses and health ministers wear many hats within their congregations. These individuals often alert parishioners about the need for medical attention, or refer them to appropriate health care providers or community resources. As a health promoter, they help members understand the relationship between lifestyle, attitudes, faith and well-being. They also advocate for individuals with regard to their health care. Other roles include:

• Health Educator: Provides speakers and educational information on health and wellness topics.
• Facilitator: Recruits, trains and coordinates volunteers and support groups within the congregation and local community.
• Monitoring & Screening: Provides non-invasive health screening activities, such as blood pressure, colon cancer and stroke.
• Personal Health Counselor: Assesses individual health needs and delivers information when needed. They also may make home, hospital and nursing home visits.

Click here to donate directly to Parish Health Ministry.

PHM in Action

ERH Parish Nurse, Ellen Schneider, shares her experience when she visited St. Peter's Church in Delaware, Ohio.

During her recent visit to Delaware, Ohio to conduct health screenings and provide guidance to the parishioners of St. Peter's Church, Ellen Schneider tested the blood sugar level of Fr. Wilson, St. Peter's parish priest. He asked Ellen if she would consider testing him again during the service to show parishioners how quick and easy the screening is. The congregation thought it was wonderful, and twelve parishioners asked Ellen to check their own blood sugar immediately after the service!

Ellen exclaimed, "For me it was great just being with people and being 'nursey'. I really felt like I was doing Parish Health Nursing!"