What Is the Parish Health Ministry?

Parish Nursing and our Parish Health Ministry empower persons to reach and be responsible for their own optimum health and wellness through healthy lifestyles. It embodies a belief in the interconnection of the mind, body and spirit, and that true health always includes an integration of the physical, intellectual, emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions - a holistic approach to health care.

Our Parish Health Nurse helps to clarify the close relationship between our faith and our health. The Parish Nurse role is multifaceted and includes health educator, personal health counselor, developer of needed support groups, teacher of volunteers, and liaison with community health organizations and services. Office hours are flexible based on changing needs but availability is usually Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. You may leave a message on her voice mail anytime and your call will be returned as soon as possible.

The Health Ministry Team includes everyone who is called to work to promote health and wellness in the congregation. The Wellness Committee is made up of a spectrum of both professional and lay members to develop programs to meet the needs of our church. Some examples of our current health programs include: monthly health articles and bulletins; notes sent to the ill and grieving (3, 6, 9, and 12 months after their loss); Blood Pressure screenings; visitation to members in area hospitals, nursing home and assisted living facilities, and home visitation to church members and friends who are facing health challenges of any kind; transportation by volunteers to non-emergency appointments; several health and wellness programs offered, with speakers on varying topics (e.g. Stress, Advanced Directives, Coping with Caretaking of a Dependent Loved One, CPR, Safety Issues for the Elderly, Communicating with Compassion).

Transportation Assistance
If you have a need for transportation to a medical appointment or church event,  please call Linda Martin.  We are also updating our Transportation Volunteer List - if you are able to assist in this vital ministry for our church family and friends, please sign up at the Information Desk in the Gathering Area.  Questions or concerns may be directed to the church office.  Please also indicate the days/times you may be available.  Thank you in advance!

FYI for Women: The Heart Center has developed a personalized comprehensive program just for women, entitled Heart Sense, to evaluate and treat women's cardiac health. Call Heart Sense at 845-790-2030 or visit Hudson Valley Heart Center for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Blood Pressure Screenings
Blood pressure screenings are held on the fourth Sunday of every month.

Medical Equipment Loan Closet
The church has a variety of medical supplies which can be borrowed on an as-needed basis. Most of the equipment is now stored in the closet by Room 7. For more information, or to get a form to check out equipment, contact the church office.