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Partners in Health & Wholeness

Partners in Health & Wholeness

An initiative of the NC Council of Churches

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Aerial view of lush, green landscape and French Broad River in Hot Springs, NC.

Facing the Storm, Finding the Stillness

May 8, 2025 By Partners in Health and Wholeness

By Rev. Erin Burleson On September 27, 2024, I took my children outside into the hurricane winds and rain. It wasn’t reckless—it was a teaching moment. I wanted them to […]

Facing the Storm, Finding the Stillness

May 8, 2025 · by Partners in Health and Wholeness

Aerial view of lush, green landscape and French Broad River in Hot Springs, NC.

By Rev. Erin Burleson On September 27, 2024, I took my children outside into the hurricane winds and rain. It wasn’t reckless—it was a teaching moment. I wanted them to […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Mental Health

Healthier Aging through Intergenerational Inclusion

March 14, 2024 By Krista Westervelt, Associate Director, Partners in Health & Wholeness, Healthy Aging

A recent New York Times piece titled “Old and Young, Talking Again” explores the link between cross-generational connections and improved perceptions and outcomes of aging. Opportunities for younger folks and […]

Healthier Aging through Intergenerational Inclusion

March 14, 2024 · by Krista Westervelt, Associate Director, Partners in Health & Wholeness, Healthy Aging

A recent New York Times piece titled “Old and Young, Talking Again” explores the link between cross-generational connections and improved perceptions and outcomes of aging. Opportunities for younger folks and […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: cargivers, Health, healthy aging

Navigating Grief During the Holidays

December 13, 2023 By Rev. Dr. Arlecia Simmons, Partners in Health and Wholeness East Regional Associate Director

Near the altar where I stood 10 years earlier to co-officiate their wedding ceremony,  I rested at a podium as my eyes shifted between my brother-in-law seated on the front […]

Navigating Grief During the Holidays

December 13, 2023 · by Rev. Dr. Arlecia Simmons, Partners in Health and Wholeness East Regional Associate Director

Near the altar where I stood 10 years earlier to co-officiate their wedding ceremony,  I rested at a podium as my eyes shifted between my brother-in-law seated on the front […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured

Navigating Grief and Hope

November 2, 2023 By Rev. Dr. Arlecia Simmons, Partners in Health and Wholeness East Regional Associate Director

You cannot write the word on social media without triggering an inquiry about your safety or being digitally reprimanded for violating the platform’s community policy. But the digital space isn’t […]

Navigating Grief and Hope

November 2, 2023 · by Rev. Dr. Arlecia Simmons, Partners in Health and Wholeness East Regional Associate Director

You cannot write the word on social media without triggering an inquiry about your safety or being digitally reprimanded for violating the platform’s community policy. But the digital space isn’t […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Mental Health

A Clergy’s Call to Confronting Opioid Overdose

October 13, 2023 By Rev. Dr. Arlecia Simmons, Partners in Health and Wholeness East Regional Associate Director

My neighborhood is interesting, and you never know what to expect when you walk out the door.  I thought nothing could surprise me until one Saturday this summer, around 7:30 […]

A Clergy’s Call to Confronting Opioid Overdose

October 13, 2023 · by Rev. Dr. Arlecia Simmons, Partners in Health and Wholeness East Regional Associate Director

My neighborhood is interesting, and you never know what to expect when you walk out the door.  I thought nothing could surprise me until one Saturday this summer, around 7:30 […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Overdose Crisis

September is Healthy Aging Month at PHW and Beyond!

September 15, 2023 By Krista Westervelt, Associate Director, Partners in Health & Wholeness, Healthy Aging

Healthy Aging Month is in full swing at PHW, with faith communities across the state building elements of our Healthy Aging Inclusion Plan into the new church year! I am […]

September is Healthy Aging Month at PHW and Beyond!

September 15, 2023 · by Krista Westervelt, Associate Director, Partners in Health & Wholeness, Healthy Aging

Healthy Aging Month is in full swing at PHW, with faith communities across the state building elements of our Healthy Aging Inclusion Plan into the new church year! I am […]

Filed Under: Blog

A Faith-Focused Suicide Prevention Training for All

May 5, 2023 By Rev. Jessica Stokes, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Mental Health Advocacy

There are topics that can be difficult to talk about, including death and grief. Of these topics, one particular situation that is more common than we think is suicide. And […]

A Faith-Focused Suicide Prevention Training for All

May 5, 2023 · by Rev. Jessica Stokes, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Mental Health Advocacy

There are topics that can be difficult to talk about, including death and grief. Of these topics, one particular situation that is more common than we think is suicide. And […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Mental Health

May is Mental Health Month!

May 5, 2023 By Rev. Jessica Stokes, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Mental Health Advocacy

Happy Mental Health Month! This is a terrific time to promote helpful mental health practices with your faith community. We can also increase awareness for those living with mental health […]

May is Mental Health Month!

May 5, 2023 · by Rev. Jessica Stokes, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Mental Health Advocacy

Happy Mental Health Month! This is a terrific time to promote helpful mental health practices with your faith community. We can also increase awareness for those living with mental health […]

Filed Under: Blog

Ministry Along I-95 Requires New Tools for Clergy

March 10, 2023 By Rev. Dr. Arlecia Simmons, Partners in Health and Wholeness East Regional Associate Director

Within a few weeks of starting in my position at the Council, I met Cape Fear Valley Health Community Paramedic Chris Dudley at a health resource event in Fayetteville. Unlike […]

Ministry Along I-95 Requires New Tools for Clergy

March 10, 2023 · by Rev. Dr. Arlecia Simmons, Partners in Health and Wholeness East Regional Associate Director

Within a few weeks of starting in my position at the Council, I met Cape Fear Valley Health Community Paramedic Chris Dudley at a health resource event in Fayetteville. Unlike […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Overdose Crisis

Nourishing Lives During National Nutrition Month

March 7, 2023 By Partners in Health and Wholeness

Guest Author Kim Eshleman, Faith Communities LiaisonFaithful Families Thriving Communities/Steps to Health (NC State University’s SNAP-Ed program) Nutrition is a word with many connotations and one that may evoke complex […]

Nourishing Lives During National Nutrition Month

March 7, 2023 · by Partners in Health and Wholeness

Guest Author Kim Eshleman, Faith Communities LiaisonFaithful Families Thriving Communities/Steps to Health (NC State University’s SNAP-Ed program) Nutrition is a word with many connotations and one that may evoke complex […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Food, Health

PHW Spotlight: Meet Apostle Michelle Sledge of Kingdom Entity Apostolic Ministries

February 3, 2023 By Rev. Dr. Arlecia Simmons, Partners in Health and Wholeness East Regional Associate Director

Apostle Dr. Michelle Sledge is the pastor of Kingdom Entity Apostolic Ministries and the faith lead for the PHW mini-grant funded initiative that provides wellness programming to the food pantry […]

PHW Spotlight: Meet Apostle Michelle Sledge of Kingdom Entity Apostolic Ministries

February 3, 2023 · by Rev. Dr. Arlecia Simmons, Partners in Health and Wholeness East Regional Associate Director

Apostle Dr. Michelle Sledge is the pastor of Kingdom Entity Apostolic Ministries and the faith lead for the PHW mini-grant funded initiative that provides wellness programming to the food pantry […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Health, PHW Spotlight

Introducing Healthy Aging and Mental Health Inclusion Plans

February 3, 2023 By Rev. Jessica Stokes, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Mental Health Advocacy

Rev. Jessica Stokes, PHW Associate Director, Mental Health Advocacy  Krista Westervelt, PHW Associate Director, Healthy Aging Partners in Health and Wholeness is excited to announce our new inclusion plans for […]

Introducing Healthy Aging and Mental Health Inclusion Plans

February 3, 2023 · by Rev. Jessica Stokes, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Mental Health Advocacy

Rev. Jessica Stokes, PHW Associate Director, Mental Health Advocacy  Krista Westervelt, PHW Associate Director, Healthy Aging Partners in Health and Wholeness is excited to announce our new inclusion plans for […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Aging, Mental Health

2022 Willona Stallings Award for Excellence in Community Innovation to Annie McIver, Health Lead for Cameron Grove African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church

September 21, 2022 By Elizabeth Brewington, Overdose Response Program Coordinator

This past Thursday at the Faith Health Summit, the Partners in Health and Wholeness (PHW) program of the North Carolina Council of Churches presented the 2022 Willona Stallings Award for […]

2022 Willona Stallings Award for Excellence in Community Innovation to Annie McIver, Health Lead for Cameron Grove African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church

September 21, 2022 · by Elizabeth Brewington, Overdose Response Program Coordinator

This past Thursday at the Faith Health Summit, the Partners in Health and Wholeness (PHW) program of the North Carolina Council of Churches presented the 2022 Willona Stallings Award for […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Health, Mental Health, PHW Spotlight

Faith and Health Summit 2022 Mindful Safety: Covid Protocols

August 16, 2022 By Nicole Johnson, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

We are counting down the weeks until September 15, 2022. As of today, we are 4 weeks and 2 days from the Faith and Health Summit. Join us at Holy […]

Faith and Health Summit 2022 Mindful Safety: Covid Protocols

August 16, 2022 · by Nicole Johnson, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

We are counting down the weeks until September 15, 2022. As of today, we are 4 weeks and 2 days from the Faith and Health Summit. Join us at Holy […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: COVID19, Faith, Health

Meeting the Moment for LGBTQ+ Older Adults

June 30, 2022 By Krista Westervelt, Associate Director, Partners in Health & Wholeness, Healthy Aging

There are currently 3 million LGBTQ+ adults aged 65 or older in the United States and that number is expected to double by 2030 (source). While the age-related needs of […]

Meeting the Moment for LGBTQ+ Older Adults

June 30, 2022 · by Krista Westervelt, Associate Director, Partners in Health & Wholeness, Healthy Aging

There are currently 3 million LGBTQ+ adults aged 65 or older in the United States and that number is expected to double by 2030 (source). While the age-related needs of […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Aging, Health

Aging and Imago Dei

May 24, 2022 By Krista Westervelt, Associate Director, Partners in Health & Wholeness, Healthy Aging

Is there an expiration date on our inherent worth and dignity? An aging out of being made in God’s image?  The past two pandemic years have been a litmus test […]

Aging and Imago Dei

May 24, 2022 · by Krista Westervelt, Associate Director, Partners in Health & Wholeness, Healthy Aging

Is there an expiration date on our inherent worth and dignity? An aging out of being made in God’s image?  The past two pandemic years have been a litmus test […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Aging, Health

Healthcare is a Justice Issue

May 9, 2022 By Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

May 2022 may be the first time in my 57 years that I’ve deeply appreciated the arrival of spring. Yes, spring officially began in March but it was still a […]

Healthcare is a Justice Issue

May 9, 2022 · by Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

May 2022 may be the first time in my 57 years that I’ve deeply appreciated the arrival of spring. Yes, spring officially began in March but it was still a […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Health, Healthcare Reform

Bolstering Local Economies & Food Access: Faith Communities & Farmers of Color

March 10, 2022 By North Carolina Council of Churches

By Justine Post, Come to the Table Program Director, Rural Advancement Foundation, partner of the NC Council of Churches BIPOC (Black & Brown, Indigenous, People of Color) farmers in the […]

Bolstering Local Economies & Food Access: Faith Communities & Farmers of Color

March 10, 2022 · by North Carolina Council of Churches

By Justine Post, Come to the Table Program Director, Rural Advancement Foundation, partner of the NC Council of Churches BIPOC (Black & Brown, Indigenous, People of Color) farmers in the […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Come to the Table, Health, Racial Justice

Show Your Heart Some Love this February

February 9, 2022 By Krista Westervelt, Associate Director, Partners in Health & Wholeness, Healthy Aging

One morning last summer, while taking myself on a hike on one of my favorite local trails, I struck up a brief conversation with a man in his 70s who […]

Show Your Heart Some Love this February

February 9, 2022 · by Krista Westervelt, Associate Director, Partners in Health & Wholeness, Healthy Aging

One morning last summer, while taking myself on a hike on one of my favorite local trails, I struck up a brief conversation with a man in his 70s who […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Health

North Carolina’s $750 Million Dollar Opioid Settlement: How will it help?

February 9, 2022 By Elizabeth Brewington, Overdose Response Program Coordinator

If you are interested in learning more about the Opioid Settlement join us on February 10th from 11am-12:30pm for the Faith Health Connection: Opioid Settlement. We will be joined by […]

North Carolina’s $750 Million Dollar Opioid Settlement: How will it help?

February 9, 2022 · by Elizabeth Brewington, Overdose Response Program Coordinator

If you are interested in learning more about the Opioid Settlement join us on February 10th from 11am-12:30pm for the Faith Health Connection: Opioid Settlement. We will be joined by […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Health

Together: Wholly Sacred and Beautifully Ordinary

January 26, 2022 By Nicole Johnson, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

We breathe the same air, and we drink the same water. Nicole Johnson My grandfather was an old school farmer. Any suggestions to include newer techniques or farm machinery on […]

Together: Wholly Sacred and Beautifully Ordinary

January 26, 2022 · by Nicole Johnson, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

We breathe the same air, and we drink the same water. Nicole Johnson My grandfather was an old school farmer. Any suggestions to include newer techniques or farm machinery on […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Children, Environment, Faith, Health, Pilot Project, Sacred Conversations, Youth

World AIDS day

December 1, 2021 By Elizabeth Brewington, Overdose Response Program Coordinator

Today, December 1, is World AIDS day.  It is an opportunity for people worldwide to come together in solidarity with people living with HIV and to recognize those who have […]

World AIDS day

December 1, 2021 · by Elizabeth Brewington, Overdose Response Program Coordinator

Today, December 1, is World AIDS day.  It is an opportunity for people worldwide to come together in solidarity with people living with HIV and to recognize those who have […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Health, HIV

2020-2021 Overdose Deaths Heartbreaking Record

November 19, 2021 By Elizabeth Brewington, Overdose Response Program Coordinator

On November 17, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control released annual data on the number of unintentional overdose deaths in the United States. For the first time, this number topped […]

2020-2021 Overdose Deaths Heartbreaking Record

November 19, 2021 · by Elizabeth Brewington, Overdose Response Program Coordinator

On November 17, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control released annual data on the number of unintentional overdose deaths in the United States. For the first time, this number topped […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Harm Reduction, Health

September – National Recovery Month

September 20, 2021 By Elizabeth Brewington, Overdose Response Program Coordinator

This month we recognize National Recovery Month and celebrate everyone who is in recovery however they define that to be. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) defines recovery […]

September – National Recovery Month

September 20, 2021 · by Elizabeth Brewington, Overdose Response Program Coordinator

This month we recognize National Recovery Month and celebrate everyone who is in recovery however they define that to be. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) defines recovery […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Harm Reduction, Health

Spotlight: Olive Branch Ministry

April 13, 2021 By Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

HICKORY, NC — Founded by the Rev. Michelle Mathis and her wife Karen Lowe, Olive Branch Ministry is a faith-based harm reduction agency covering nine counties in the foothills and […]

Spotlight: Olive Branch Ministry

April 13, 2021 · by Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

HICKORY, NC — Founded by the Rev. Michelle Mathis and her wife Karen Lowe, Olive Branch Ministry is a faith-based harm reduction agency covering nine counties in the foothills and […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Harm Reduction, Health, Overdose Crisis

Do This in Remembrance of Me

March 15, 2021 By Rev. Karen Richardson Dunn, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Healthy Aging

As Americans, our collective remembrance and solidarity have often centered around one key question: Where were you when — ?   For my (white) parents’ generation, the question was: Where were […]

Do This in Remembrance of Me

March 15, 2021 · by Rev. Karen Richardson Dunn, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Healthy Aging

As Americans, our collective remembrance and solidarity have often centered around one key question: Where were you when — ?   For my (white) parents’ generation, the question was: Where were […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Health, Mental Health

Mental Health and Race: Barriers, Ideas, & Sacred Work (Part III)

December 11, 2020 By Rev. Jessica Stokes, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Mental Health Advocacy

To read Part I of this series, click here. To read Part II of this series, click here. In this series about mental health and race, we have looked at […]

Mental Health and Race: Barriers, Ideas, & Sacred Work (Part III)

December 11, 2020 · by Rev. Jessica Stokes, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Mental Health Advocacy

To read Part I of this series, click here. To read Part II of this series, click here. In this series about mental health and race, we have looked at […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Health, Mental Health, Race/Ethnicity

Blessed are those who continue to mourn

December 4, 2020 By Rev. Karen Richardson Dunn, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Healthy Aging

Several months ago, as summer was just beginning, I wrote on behalf of the Partners in Health and Wholeness team to mark the tragic milestone of 1,000 lives lost to […]

Blessed are those who continue to mourn

December 4, 2020 · by Rev. Karen Richardson Dunn, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Healthy Aging

Several months ago, as summer was just beginning, I wrote on behalf of the Partners in Health and Wholeness team to mark the tragic milestone of 1,000 lives lost to […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Health

Mental Health and Race: Barriers, Ideas, & Sacred Work (Part II)

October 29, 2020 By Rev. Jessica Stokes, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Mental Health Advocacy

To read Part 1 of the “Mental Health and Race: Barriers, Ideas, & Sacred Work” series, click here. In all the stress and unknown of this world, resilience is a […]

Mental Health and Race: Barriers, Ideas, & Sacred Work (Part II)

October 29, 2020 · by Rev. Jessica Stokes, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Mental Health Advocacy

To read Part 1 of the “Mental Health and Race: Barriers, Ideas, & Sacred Work” series, click here. In all the stress and unknown of this world, resilience is a […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Health, Mental Health, Race/Ethnicity

October is National Substance Use Prevention Month

October 16, 2020 By Elizabeth Brewington, Overdose Response Program Coordinator

Do you remember the public service announcement video titled “This Is Your Brain on Drugs?” This ad series, like others in the 1980s, begins with a man holding an egg […]

October is National Substance Use Prevention Month

October 16, 2020 · by Elizabeth Brewington, Overdose Response Program Coordinator

Do you remember the public service announcement video titled “This Is Your Brain on Drugs?” This ad series, like others in the 1980s, begins with a man holding an egg […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Health, Mental Health, Substance Abuse

The Spirituality of Loneliness in Life’s Second Chapter

October 12, 2020 By Rev. Karen Richardson Dunn, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Healthy Aging

“Quite simply, human relationship is as essential to our well-being as food and water.” –former Surgeon General Vivek Murthy  Within the global pandemic of Covid-19 lies another deadly yet often […]

The Spirituality of Loneliness in Life’s Second Chapter

October 12, 2020 · by Rev. Karen Richardson Dunn, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Healthy Aging

“Quite simply, human relationship is as essential to our well-being as food and water.” –former Surgeon General Vivek Murthy  Within the global pandemic of Covid-19 lies another deadly yet often […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Aging, Health, Mental Health

Mental Health and Race: Barriers, Ideas, and Sacred Work (Part I)

October 9, 2020 By Rev. Jessica Stokes, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Mental Health Advocacy

“Racism is a mental health issue because racism causes trauma”- Mental Health America. This is a strong statement that requires deep consideration. Racism, mental health concerns, and trauma are infused. […]

Mental Health and Race: Barriers, Ideas, and Sacred Work (Part I)

October 9, 2020 · by Rev. Jessica Stokes, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Mental Health Advocacy

“Racism is a mental health issue because racism causes trauma”- Mental Health America. This is a strong statement that requires deep consideration. Racism, mental health concerns, and trauma are infused. […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Health, Mental Health, Race/Ethnicity

Re-imagining Health Ministries During COVID: How to keep Health Ministries Engaged

October 9, 2020 By Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

At our houses of worship, things have looked different for a while. Many faith communities and their health ministries have mobilized in unprecedented ways to keep their communities healthy and […]

Re-imagining Health Ministries During COVID: How to keep Health Ministries Engaged

October 9, 2020 · by Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

At our houses of worship, things have looked different for a while. Many faith communities and their health ministries have mobilized in unprecedented ways to keep their communities healthy and […]

Filed Under: Blog

High Country UCC

September 29, 2020 By Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

High Country United Church of Christ (UCC), located in the beautiful western region of North Carolina, has been a member of the PHW Collaborative for about two years now. The […]

High Country UCC

September 29, 2020 · by Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

High Country United Church of Christ (UCC), located in the beautiful western region of North Carolina, has been a member of the PHW Collaborative for about two years now. The […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Health, PHW Spotlight

COVID-19 Spotlights

July 30, 2020 By Michelle Peedin, Program Coordinator, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Partners in Health and Wholeness is proud to partner with faith communities that are committed to promoting faith, health, and justice. The congregations in our Collaborative network are what make […]

COVID-19 Spotlights

July 30, 2020 · by Michelle Peedin, Program Coordinator, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Partners in Health and Wholeness is proud to partner with faith communities that are committed to promoting faith, health, and justice. The congregations in our Collaborative network are what make […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Health, PHW Spotlight

Caring for Elderly Loved Ones During COVID-19

July 26, 2020 By Rev. Karen Richardson Dunn, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Healthy Aging

As the daughter of parents who are deep into their eighties, these past four months have been particularly worrisome since Covid-19 reshaped all our lives into unknown territory. And, as of […]

Caring for Elderly Loved Ones During COVID-19

July 26, 2020 · by Rev. Karen Richardson Dunn, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Healthy Aging

As the daughter of parents who are deep into their eighties, these past four months have been particularly worrisome since Covid-19 reshaped all our lives into unknown territory. And, as of […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Health, Mental Health

World Hepatitis Day: Finding the Missing Millions

July 24, 2020 By Elizabeth Brewington, Overdose Response Program Coordinator

July 28th is World Hepatitis Day, and this year’s theme is designed to raise awareness and encourage action in finding the estimated 290 million people who are unaware they have […]

World Hepatitis Day: Finding the Missing Millions

July 24, 2020 · by Elizabeth Brewington, Overdose Response Program Coordinator

July 28th is World Hepatitis Day, and this year’s theme is designed to raise awareness and encourage action in finding the estimated 290 million people who are unaware they have […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Health

Spotlight: Free COVID-19 Testing

July 23, 2020 By Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

Partners in Health and Wholeness (PHW), an initiative of the North Carolina Council of Churches, is designed to bridge issues of faith, health, and justice. We partner with faith communities […]

Spotlight: Free COVID-19 Testing

July 23, 2020 · by Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

Partners in Health and Wholeness (PHW), an initiative of the North Carolina Council of Churches, is designed to bridge issues of faith, health, and justice. We partner with faith communities […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Health, PHW Spotlight

Democracy, Values & the 2020 Election: A Reflection Guide for Faith Communities

July 7, 2020 By North Carolina Council of Churches

Download The Guide & Share This Link To Triple The Vote! —> bit.ly/NCvaluesvoter The 2020 elections could not be more significant. The outcome will set the course on climate change […]

Democracy, Values & the 2020 Election: A Reflection Guide for Faith Communities

July 7, 2020 · by North Carolina Council of Churches

Download The Guide & Share This Link To Triple The Vote! —> bit.ly/NCvaluesvoter The 2020 elections could not be more significant. The outcome will set the course on climate change […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Health, Healthcare Reform, Immigration, LGBTQ, Peace, Resource

St. Stephen Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ

June 24, 2020 By Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

St. Stephen Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ is located in Trenton, NC in the heart of Eastern North Carolina. They have been a member of the PHW Collaborative for […]

St. Stephen Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ

June 24, 2020 · by Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

St. Stephen Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ is located in Trenton, NC in the heart of Eastern North Carolina. They have been a member of the PHW Collaborative for […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Health, PHW Spotlight

St. Paul Presbyterian Church

June 24, 2020 By Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

St. Paul Presbyterian Church is located in Louisburg, NC in Central North Carolina. They have made healthy eating central to their ministry through the initiative “A Blessing Soup Kitchen,” serving nutritious […]

St. Paul Presbyterian Church

June 24, 2020 · by Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

St. Paul Presbyterian Church is located in Louisburg, NC in Central North Carolina. They have made healthy eating central to their ministry through the initiative “A Blessing Soup Kitchen,” serving nutritious […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Health, PHW Spotlight

Oasis of Hope Ministries

June 24, 2020 By Rachel Baker, Communications Director

Oasis of Hope Ministries is located in Henderson, NC in Central North Carolina. Oasis of Hope Ministries has been centering faith, health, and well-being in their ministry for almost 4 […]

Oasis of Hope Ministries

June 24, 2020 · by Rachel Baker, Communications Director

Oasis of Hope Ministries is located in Henderson, NC in Central North Carolina. Oasis of Hope Ministries has been centering faith, health, and well-being in their ministry for almost 4 […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Health, PHW Spotlight

Haywood Street UMC

June 24, 2020 By Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

Haywood Street UMC has been a member of the PHW Collaborative since 2018. They have always been an anchor of support in their community through ministering with the unsheltered population of Asheville, serving […]

Haywood Street UMC

June 24, 2020 · by Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

Haywood Street UMC has been a member of the PHW Collaborative since 2018. They have always been an anchor of support in their community through ministering with the unsheltered population of Asheville, serving […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Health, PHW Spotlight

Sacred Spaces

June 5, 2020 By Elizabeth Brewington, Overdose Response Program Coordinator

What does “sacred space” mean to you?  This is the question I asked during my first virtual Sunday school class weeks ago. I teach a broad age range (3-9) so […]

Sacred Spaces

June 5, 2020 · by Elizabeth Brewington, Overdose Response Program Coordinator

What does “sacred space” mean to you?  This is the question I asked during my first virtual Sunday school class weeks ago. I teach a broad age range (3-9) so […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Health, Mental Health

Blessed Are Those Who Mourn

June 4, 2020 By Rev. Karen Richardson Dunn, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Healthy Aging

As of this morning, Thursday, June 4, the Raleigh News & Observer reported that Covid-19 has claimed the lives of 999 North Carolinians.  We, the staff of Partners in Health […]

Blessed Are Those Who Mourn

June 4, 2020 · by Rev. Karen Richardson Dunn, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Healthy Aging

As of this morning, Thursday, June 4, the Raleigh News & Observer reported that Covid-19 has claimed the lives of 999 North Carolinians.  We, the staff of Partners in Health […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Christian Unity, Health, Mental Health

Cherishing the Elderly Among Us

May 28, 2020 By Rev. Karen Richardson Dunn, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Healthy Aging

May is Mother’s Day. It is high school and college graduations, Memorial Day weekend barbecues and beach trips , and the anticipation of summer’s more languid pace.  May is also […]

Cherishing the Elderly Among Us

May 28, 2020 · by Rev. Karen Richardson Dunn, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Healthy Aging

May is Mother’s Day. It is high school and college graduations, Memorial Day weekend barbecues and beach trips , and the anticipation of summer’s more languid pace.  May is also […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Health, Mental Health

Statement on Staying Home

April 24, 2020 By North Carolina Council of Churches

Approved by the Executive Committee of the Governing Board of the North Carolina Council on April 23, 2020. The North Carolina Council of Churches supports the Governor of N.C. and […]

Statement on Staying Home

April 24, 2020 · by North Carolina Council of Churches

Approved by the Executive Committee of the Governing Board of the North Carolina Council on April 23, 2020. The North Carolina Council of Churches supports the Governor of N.C. and […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Good Government, Health, News

Holy Breaths: Our Health Tips in Response to COVID-19

April 6, 2020 By Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

This “new normal” of social distancing has been weighing on our minds, hearts, and souls. We are living through a challenging time constantly consumed by distressing news updates. Many face […]

Holy Breaths: Our Health Tips in Response to COVID-19

April 6, 2020 · by Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

This “new normal” of social distancing has been weighing on our minds, hearts, and souls. We are living through a challenging time constantly consumed by distressing news updates. Many face […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Health, Mental Health

Virus Threat’s Harsh Light

March 14, 2020 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The rapidly unfolding global coronavirus crisis can’t help but get us thinking in a familiar vein:  woulda, coulda and shoulda. In the United States, if federal authorities hadn’t been hamstrung […]

Virus Threat’s Harsh Light

March 14, 2020 · by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The rapidly unfolding global coronavirus crisis can’t help but get us thinking in a familiar vein:  woulda, coulda and shoulda. In the United States, if federal authorities hadn’t been hamstrung […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Health

Cherish Your Heart

March 4, 2020 By Rev. Karen Richardson Dunn, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Healthy Aging

When I was a kid my friends and I would sometimes, in the middle of a conversation, go very still and say, with great solemnity:  “I’m serious as a heart […]

Cherish Your Heart

March 4, 2020 · by Rev. Karen Richardson Dunn, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Healthy Aging

When I was a kid my friends and I would sometimes, in the middle of a conversation, go very still and say, with great solemnity:  “I’m serious as a heart […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Health

Reflections on the 2019 Eastern Faith and Health Summit

February 4, 2020 By Rev. Jessica Stokes, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Mental Health Advocacy

The Partners in Health and Wholeness Eastern NC Summit, titled “Mindful Together: Our Health Connects Us to Each Other and God” was more than an event. It was a gathering […]

Reflections on the 2019 Eastern Faith and Health Summit

February 4, 2020 · by Rev. Jessica Stokes, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Mental Health Advocacy

The Partners in Health and Wholeness Eastern NC Summit, titled “Mindful Together: Our Health Connects Us to Each Other and God” was more than an event. It was a gathering […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Health, Mental Health

Thank You NC 100 Mile Challenge Churches: You Inspire Us!

January 27, 2020 By Nicole Johnson, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

5 years old to 90 years old 36 congregations (known) 50,000 miles and counting parks/neighborhoods/rivers/labyrinths prayer, work, meditation mind/body/spirit Baptist/ Nondenominational/Episcopa-lian, Methodist/Islamic mental health workshops/blood pressure kits/treadmills/fitness workshops/gardens Two years […]

Thank You NC 100 Mile Challenge Churches: You Inspire Us!

January 27, 2020 · by Nicole Johnson, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

5 years old to 90 years old 36 congregations (known) 50,000 miles and counting parks/neighborhoods/rivers/labyrinths prayer, work, meditation mind/body/spirit Baptist/ Nondenominational/Episcopa-lian, Methodist/Islamic mental health workshops/blood pressure kits/treadmills/fitness workshops/gardens Two years […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Health, Mental Health

Spotlight: St. Stephen Church of Christ

December 19, 2019 By Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

Partners in Health and Wholeness (PHW), an initiative of the North Carolina Council of Churches, is designed to bridge issues of faith, health, and justice. We partner with faith communities […]

Spotlight: St. Stephen Church of Christ

December 19, 2019 · by Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

Partners in Health and Wholeness (PHW), an initiative of the North Carolina Council of Churches, is designed to bridge issues of faith, health, and justice. We partner with faith communities […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Health, PHW Spotlight

Spotlight: Woodleaf United Methodist Church

November 8, 2019 By Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

Partners in Health and Wholeness (PHW), an initiative of the North Carolina Council of Churches, is designed to bridge issues of faith, health, and justice. We partner with faith communities […]

Spotlight: Woodleaf United Methodist Church

November 8, 2019 · by Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

Partners in Health and Wholeness (PHW), an initiative of the North Carolina Council of Churches, is designed to bridge issues of faith, health, and justice. We partner with faith communities […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Health, Mental Health, PHW Spotlight

2020 Open Enrollment: What You Need to Know

November 7, 2019 By Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

The period to enroll or renew health insurance coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) began on November 1st. Enrolling in a health insurance plan during this period will provide […]

2020 Open Enrollment: What You Need to Know

November 7, 2019 · by Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

The period to enroll or renew health insurance coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) began on November 1st. Enrolling in a health insurance plan during this period will provide […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Health, Healthcare Reform

November is National Caregivers Month

October 14, 2019 By Rev. Karen Richardson Dunn, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Healthy Aging

According to the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP, in 2015, approximately 43.5 million caregivers provided unpaid care to an adult or child in the last twelve months.  That’s a […]

November is National Caregivers Month

October 14, 2019 · by Rev. Karen Richardson Dunn, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Healthy Aging

According to the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP, in 2015, approximately 43.5 million caregivers provided unpaid care to an adult or child in the last twelve months.  That’s a […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Health, Mental Health

New Hope AME Zion Church

September 11, 2019 By Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

“New Hope AME Zion Church Health and Wellness Ministry held a Back to School Celebration at Skateland USA in Clemons NC. This was a great way to bring our children […]

New Hope AME Zion Church

September 11, 2019 · by Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

“New Hope AME Zion Church Health and Wellness Ministry held a Back to School Celebration at Skateland USA in Clemons NC. This was a great way to bring our children […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Health, PHW Spotlight

Spotlight: Seaside United Methodist Church

September 5, 2019 By Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

Partners in Health and Wholeness (PHW), an initiative of the North Carolina Council of Churches, is designed to bridge issues of faith, health, and justice. We partner with faith communities […]

Spotlight: Seaside United Methodist Church

September 5, 2019 · by Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

Partners in Health and Wholeness (PHW), an initiative of the North Carolina Council of Churches, is designed to bridge issues of faith, health, and justice. We partner with faith communities […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Health, Mental Health, PHW Spotlight

Worship Resources on Mental Health Care

August 12, 2013 By Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Date: Proper 20 - Sep. 22, 2013
Topic: Mental Health Care
Focus Text: Jeremiah 8:18-9:1
The church must not forget either the biblical witness to suffering or the reality of Christian hope while caring for those who are mentally ill. Rather, the task of the church, in general terms, is both to suffer with and also, at the same time, to hope for those caught in the tangled web of mental illness. The first, to suffer with, is extremely important. “Weep with those who weep,” the scripture tells us (Rom 12:15); and yet the need of those who are mentally ill is so complex, the chasm so apparently deep and dark, that many would prefer, like priests and Levites, to pass by on the other side of the road (Lk 10:31-32). Christ, however, enters that chasm and commands us to follow.

Worship Resources on Mental Health Care

August 12, 2013 · by Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Date: Proper 20 – Sep. 22, 2013
Topic: Mental Health Care
Focus Text: Jeremiah 8:18-9:1
The church must not forget either the biblical witness to suffering or the reality of Christian hope while caring for those who are mentally ill. Rather, the task of the church, in general terms, is both to suffer with and also, at the same time, to hope for those caught in the tangled web of mental illness. The first, to suffer with, is extremely important. “Weep with those who weep,” the scripture tells us (Rom 12:15); and yet the need of those who are mentally ill is so complex, the chasm so apparently deep and dark, that many would prefer, like priests and Levites, to pass by on the other side of the road (Lk 10:31-32). Christ, however, enters that chasm and commands us to follow.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Health, Healthcare Reform, Mental Health

Moral Mondays Reverberate Across the Country

July 5, 2013 By Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

I finally had the chance to go my first Moral Monday earlier this week. Walking around Halifax Mall with our Executive Director, George Reed, I was struck by how many people we both knew. I'm deeply proud of the involvement by clergy and faith communities in particular. So many of our members are represented not only in the crowd but also in the faces of those participating in civil disobedience and getting arrested. As we celebrate Independence Day this week, we give thanks not only for the many freedoms our country offers, but in particular for the countless faithful voices speaking up and speaking out for those who are being pushed to the margins by this General Assembly.

Moral Mondays Reverberate Across the Country

July 5, 2013 · by Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

I finally had the chance to go my first Moral Monday earlier this week. Walking around Halifax Mall with our Executive Director, George Reed, I was struck by how many people we both knew. I’m deeply proud of the involvement by clergy and faith communities in particular. So many of our members are represented not only in the crowd but also in the faces of those participating in civil disobedience and getting arrested. As we celebrate Independence Day this week, we give thanks not only for the many freedoms our country offers, but in particular for the countless faithful voices speaking up and speaking out for those who are being pushed to the margins by this General Assembly.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Farmworkers, Fracking, Good Government, Health, Healthcare Reform, Immigration, Moral Mondays, Organized Labor, Public Education, Race/Ethnicity, State Budget, Taxes

Implementing the Affordable Care Act: Legislative Seminar Workshop

April 29, 2013 By Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Rev. Linda Walling, Executive Director at Faithful Reform in Health Care and Nicole Dozier, Assistant Project Director at the NC Health Access Coalition offered this compelling and insightful workshop on the Affordable Care Act (aka “Obamacare”) at our 2013 Legislative Seminar. You can download and listent the podcast above.

Implementing the Affordable Care Act: Legislative Seminar Workshop

April 29, 2013 · by Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Rev. Linda Walling, Executive Director at Faithful Reform in Health Care and Nicole Dozier, Assistant Project Director at the NC Health Access Coalition offered this compelling and insightful workshop on the Affordable Care Act (aka “Obamacare”) at our 2013 Legislative Seminar. You can download and listent the podcast above.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Health, Healthcare Reform

Lectionary: Care for HIV/AIDS Patients (4th Sunday after Easter)

March 26, 2013 By Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

From Acts of Faith: Free Lectionary Resources for Prophetic Worship

Date: 4th Sunday after Easter - April 21, 2013
Topic: Care for HIV/AIDS Patients
Focus Text: Acts 9:36-43

From the pastoral reflection: “Today, the reality is that HIV looks like all of us – regardless of race, gender, age, sexual orientation, or faith tradition. The epidemic is growing most rapidly, however, among minorities who have historically experienced a higher risk for poverty, lack of health insurance, co-morbidity, and disenfranchisement from the health care system. The result is a growing number of individuals living with HIV disease who are living at or below the federal poverty level and who have limited or no access to life-saving, life-extending medications."

Lectionary: Care for HIV/AIDS Patients (4th Sunday after Easter)

March 26, 2013 · by Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

From Acts of Faith: Free Lectionary Resources for Prophetic Worship

Date: 4th Sunday after Easter – April 21, 2013
Topic: Care for HIV/AIDS Patients
Focus Text: Acts 9:36-43

From the pastoral reflection: “Today, the reality is that HIV looks like all of us – regardless of race, gender, age, sexual orientation, or faith tradition. The epidemic is growing most rapidly, however, among minorities who have historically experienced a higher risk for poverty, lack of health insurance, co-morbidity, and disenfranchisement from the health care system. The result is a growing number of individuals living with HIV disease who are living at or below the federal poverty level and who have limited or no access to life-saving, life-extending medications.”

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Health, Healthcare Reform

Preparing the Way: A Social Justice Study for Lent (free download)

February 1, 2013 By Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Click here for a free download of our new 2013 social justice study for Lent: Preparing the Way. This simple 10-page document combines traditional Lenten themes and Bible passages with contemporary issues including hunger, care of creation, and immigration. We invite you to join us in this season of reflection and preparation.

Preparing the Way: A Social Justice Study for Lent (free download)

February 1, 2013 · by Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Click here for a free download of our new 2013 social justice study for Lent: Preparing the Way. This simple 10-page document combines traditional Lenten themes and Bible passages with contemporary issues including hunger, care of creation, and immigration. We invite you to join us in this season of reflection and preparation.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Environment, Farmworkers, Food, Gun Violence, Health, Healthcare Reform, Immigration, Peace

NC Farmworker Health Facts

October 3, 2012 By Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Farm labor ranks as one of the top three most dangerous occupations in the United States. In addition to hazards in the fields, farmworkers and their families face unique burdens on their physical and mental health. North Carolina’s leading industry is agriculture, yet farmworkers are among the most underserved residents in the state.

NC Farmworker Health Facts

October 3, 2012 · by Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Farm labor ranks as one of the top three most dangerous occupations in the United States. In addition to hazards in the fields, farmworkers and their families face unique burdens on their physical and mental health. North Carolina’s leading industry is agriculture, yet farmworkers are among the most underserved residents in the state.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Farmworkers, Food, Health

United States Farmworker Factsheet

September 19, 2012 By Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Farmworkers are some of our nation’s most vital workers, as their labor enables us to enjoy high quality, low-cost, fresh fruits and vegetables all year round. Despite farmworkers’ economic and cultural contributions to the communities where they live and work, they continue to be the some of the lowest paid, least protected, and unhealthiest workers in the United States.

United States Farmworker Factsheet

September 19, 2012 · by Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Farmworkers are some of our nation’s most vital workers, as their labor enables us to enjoy high quality, low-cost, fresh fruits and vegetables all year round. Despite farmworkers’ economic and cultural contributions to the communities where they live and work, they continue to be the some of the lowest paid, least protected, and unhealthiest workers in the United States.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Farmworkers, Food, Health, Housing, Immigration, Living Wage, Rural Life

New Curriculum: Eating Well

April 17, 2012 By Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

This comprehensive, intergenerational curriculum focuses on the food we eat and why it matters. Featuring 7 lessons with Scripture, prayers, resources, and activities for young children through adults, "Eating Well" will challenge and inspire your church or community group. Download your copy today.

New Curriculum: Eating Well

April 17, 2012 · by Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

This comprehensive, intergenerational curriculum focuses on the food we eat and why it matters. Featuring 7 lessons with Scripture, prayers, resources, and activities for young children through adults, “Eating Well” will challenge and inspire your church or community group. Download your copy today.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Community Gardens, Farmworkers, Food, Health, Rural Life

Raleigh News & Observer: Community gardens are in residents’ hands

August 19, 2011 By Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

The Council has long been touting the benefits of community gardening in both urban and rural settings alike. Community gardens offer healthy local foods that are often more nutritious than their grocery-story or food-bank counterparts. Gardens also help community members become more active, and they are a great way for congregations, local organizations and neighborhoods to collaborate together. Last Sunday the Raleigh News & Observer highlighted this growing movement, using the example of Highland United Methodist Church.

Raleigh News & Observer: Community gardens are in residents’ hands

August 19, 2011 · by Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

The Council has long been touting the benefits of community gardening in both urban and rural settings alike. Community gardens offer healthy local foods that are often more nutritious than their grocery-story or food-bank counterparts. Gardens also help community members become more active, and they are a great way for congregations, local organizations and neighborhoods to collaborate together. Last Sunday the Raleigh News & Observer highlighted this growing movement, using the example of Highland United Methodist Church.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Community Gardens, Food, Health, Rural Life

Bishop Curry Interviews Dr. Kathy Shea about NC IPL

July 1, 2011 By Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

In a recent edition of Please Note, Bishop Michael Curry of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina interviewed Dr. Kathy Shea about her work as director of NC Interfaith Power & Light.

Bishop Curry Interviews Dr. Kathy Shea about NC IPL

July 1, 2011 · by Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

In a recent edition of Please Note, Bishop Michael Curry of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina interviewed Dr. Kathy Shea about her work as director of NC Interfaith Power & Light.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Environment, Food, Health

Proper 6, Year A

June 1, 2011 By Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Key Fact: Over 1.5 million North Carolinians ages 0-64 do not have health insurance. That is approximately 1 out of every 5 people in our state. Children account for over 280,000 of the 1.5 million uninsured.

Proper 6, Year A

June 1, 2011 · by Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Key Fact: Over 1.5 million North Carolinians ages 0-64 do not have health insurance. That is approximately 1 out of every 5 people in our state. Children account for over 280,000 of the 1.5 million uninsured.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Health, Healthcare Reform, Worship

Building Hope, One Chicken Coop at a Time

March 24, 2011 By Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Last Saturday I got to meet Cecilia.  She used to work in North Carolina’s tobacco fields, but that left her with health problems.  A mother of five children, now she’s […]

Building Hope, One Chicken Coop at a Time

March 24, 2011 · by Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Last Saturday I got to meet Cecilia.  She used to work in North Carolina’s tobacco fields, but that left her with health problems.  A mother of five children, now she’s […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Farmworkers, Health, Rural Life

Video from Come to the Table Conference

March 17, 2011 By Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

On a blustery March day that saw snow flurries up in the mountains, more than a hundred people gathered at Black Mountain’s First Baptist Church to talk about food, faith […]

Video from Come to the Table Conference

March 17, 2011 · by Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

On a blustery March day that saw snow flurries up in the mountains, more than a hundred people gathered at Black Mountain’s First Baptist Church to talk about food, faith […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Health, Rural Life

Report from Come to the Table

February 23, 2011 By Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

On Friday and Saturday last week, about 180 people gathered at the 2011 Come to the Table conference in Winston-Salem. Bringing together pastors, lay leaders, experts in the fields of hunger and sustainable agriculture, entrepreneurs, farmworker advocates, and many others. Conference workshops were held on Friday, with site visits and practical tours on Saturday.

Report from Come to the Table

February 23, 2011 · by Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

On Friday and Saturday last week, about 180 people gathered at the 2011 Come to the Table conference in Winston-Salem. Bringing together pastors, lay leaders, experts in the fields of hunger and sustainable agriculture, entrepreneurs, farmworker advocates, and many others. Conference workshops were held on Friday, with site visits and practical tours on Saturday.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Health, Rural Life

The Cost of Cheap Food

February 17, 2011 By Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Tomorrow, the NC Council of Churches’ Rural Life Committee will convene our third biennial Come to the Table Conference. With meetings across the state over the next three weeks, the conference offers resources for faith communities working to relieve hunger and support local farms.

The Cost of Cheap Food

February 17, 2011 · by Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Tomorrow, the NC Council of Churches’ Rural Life Committee will convene our third biennial Come to the Table Conference. With meetings across the state over the next three weeks, the conference offers resources for faith communities working to relieve hunger and support local farms.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Health, Rural Life

Exciting Progress for Partners in Health and Wholeness

November 9, 2010 By Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Congregations across the state are now taking part in the North Carolina Council of Churches' Partners in Health and Wholeness (PHW) Certification Program, demonstrating that their bodies are God's temple by eating healthier, being more physically active and reducing the impact of smoking on themselves and their neighbors.

Exciting Progress for Partners in Health and Wholeness

November 9, 2010 · by Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Congregations across the state are now taking part in the North Carolina Council of Churches’ Partners in Health and Wholeness (PHW) Certification Program, demonstrating that their bodies are God’s temple by eating healthier, being more physically active and reducing the impact of smoking on themselves and their neighbors.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Health, News

Community Gardens Sprout in Triangle

August 4, 2010 By Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

More and more North Carolinians are getting involved with community gardens. Through our Come to the Table program, the Council’s Rural Life Committee has been promoting this work for the past few years. We’ve been visiting gardens, leading workshops, sharing best practices, eating delicious local food and making friends across the state.

Community Gardens Sprout in Triangle

August 4, 2010 · by Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

More and more North Carolinians are getting involved with community gardens. Through our Come to the Table program, the Council’s Rural Life Committee has been promoting this work for the past few years. We’ve been visiting gardens, leading workshops, sharing best practices, eating delicious local food and making friends across the state.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Health, Rural Life

North Carolina Farmworker Health Facts

August 1, 2010 By Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Farm labor ranks as one of the top three most dangerous occupations in the United States. In addition to hazards in the fields, farmworkers and their families face unique burdens on their physical and mental health. North Carolina’s leading industry is agriculture, yet farmworkers are among the most underserved residents in the state. This colorful and easy-to-read fact sheet was designed for congregations and community groups. Download a copy today.

North Carolina Farmworker Health Facts

August 1, 2010 · by Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Farm labor ranks as one of the top three most dangerous occupations in the United States. In addition to hazards in the fields, farmworkers and their families face unique burdens on their physical and mental health. North Carolina’s leading industry is agriculture, yet farmworkers are among the most underserved residents in the state. This colorful and easy-to-read fact sheet was designed for congregations and community groups. Download a copy today.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Farmworkers, Food, Health, Housing

Partners in Health & Wholeness Worship Aid

July 12, 2010 By Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Welcome to our worship resources for Partners in Health and Wholeness (PHW). PHW is an ambitious program of the North Carolina Council of Churches designed to help people of faith to see health — their own health — as an issue of faith and to take action that will lead to healthier and more abundant living.

Partners in Health & Wholeness Worship Aid

July 12, 2010 · by Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Welcome to our worship resources for Partners in Health and Wholeness (PHW). PHW is an ambitious program of the North Carolina Council of Churches designed to help people of faith to see health — their own health — as an issue of faith and to take action that will lead to healthier and more abundant living.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Health, Worship

Recipes for the Heart & Soul

July 11, 2010 By Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

At the North Carolina Council of Churches’ Partners in Health and Wholeness Program, we want to help people of faith and congregations become healthier. What better way to help people become healthier than by helping them prepare healthy foods? Not only do we want to show you how to cook healthy foods at home, we want to offer you recipes to use at church events, too. Our objective with this cookbook is to highlight healthy recipes for large groups. Our hope is that you will use these recipes to help feed your parishes, that they might receive spiritual and bodily nourishment at church.

Recipes for the Heart & Soul

July 11, 2010 · by Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

At the North Carolina Council of Churches’ Partners in Health and Wholeness Program, we want to help people of faith and congregations become healthier. What better way to help people become healthier than by helping them prepare healthy foods? Not only do we want to show you how to cook healthy foods at home, we want to offer you recipes to use at church events, too. Our objective with this cookbook is to highlight healthy recipes for large groups. Our hope is that you will use these recipes to help feed your parishes, that they might receive spiritual and bodily nourishment at church.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Food, Health

A Day of Resource Sharing, Coalition Building and Remembering The Call to Service

July 9, 2010 By Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

The North Carolina Council of Churches’ Partners in Health and Wholeness program held its 2010 Faith and Health Summit in March, drawing together nearly 250 participants to learn about integrating health practices and strategies within faith communities.

A Day of Resource Sharing, Coalition Building and Remembering The Call to Service

July 9, 2010 · by Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

The North Carolina Council of Churches’ Partners in Health and Wholeness program held its 2010 Faith and Health Summit in March, drawing together nearly 250 participants to learn about integrating health practices and strategies within faith communities.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Health, News

Partners in Health & Wholeness: Bronze-Certified Congregations

July 9, 2010 By Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

These congregations have demonstrated that, as people of faith, they strive to live an abundant life of health and wholeness by naming a congregational health promoter, serving healthy food and beverage at church meals, and reducing the impact of smoking on themselves and their neighbors.

Partners in Health & Wholeness: Bronze-Certified Congregations

July 9, 2010 · by Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

These congregations have demonstrated that, as people of faith, they strive to live an abundant life of health and wholeness by naming a congregational health promoter, serving healthy food and beverage at church meals, and reducing the impact of smoking on themselves and their neighbors.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Health, News

Raleigh Report: General Assembly Addressing Childhood Obesity

June 28, 2010 By Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Unfortunately, the childhood obesity epidemic is drastically affecting North Carolina. In 2009, North Carolina ranked 14th worst in the nation in childhood overweight and obesity for children ages 10-17, with more than one-third (33.5%) of our children being overweight or obese.

Also in this Raleigh Report: Domestic Violence, Environment, Gambling, Health, Housing, People with Disabilities, Public Education, and more.

Raleigh Report: General Assembly Addressing Childhood Obesity

June 28, 2010 · by Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Unfortunately, the childhood obesity epidemic is drastically affecting North Carolina. In 2009, North Carolina ranked 14th worst in the nation in childhood overweight and obesity for children ages 10-17, with more than one-third (33.5%) of our children being overweight or obese.

Also in this Raleigh Report: Domestic Violence, Environment, Gambling, Health, Housing, People with Disabilities, Public Education, and more.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Domestic Violence, Environment, Health, Housing, People with Disabilities, Public Education

Cooking for big groups doesn’t have to mean big calories

May 27, 2010 By Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Wilmington Star-News

How do you fix lunch for a hundred or so fellow worshipers at your hometown church – and still keep the dishes low in calories, salt and cholesterol? The N.C. Council of Churches might have the answer to your problem.

Cooking for big groups doesn’t have to mean big calories

May 27, 2010 · by Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Wilmington Star-News

How do you fix lunch for a hundred or so fellow worshipers at your hometown church – and still keep the dishes low in calories, salt and cholesterol? The N.C. Council of Churches might have the answer to your problem.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Health

The role of the church in modern politics and social change

May 27, 2010 By Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

NC Policy Watch

In the 21st Century, we must no longer view Church as a semiweekly activity that occurs within the confines of a physical structure with four walls and a pulpit. Instead, we must take our message of hope, justice, unity and peace to the wider community, and, yes, even Capitol Hill! I believe that real change happens when various groups - public and private, secular and religious, progressive and conservative, privileged and disadvantaged, old and young, black and white - work together to achieve a common goal.

The role of the church in modern politics and social change

May 27, 2010 · by Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

NC Policy Watch

In the 21st Century, we must no longer view Church as a semiweekly activity that occurs within the confines of a physical structure with four walls and a pulpit. Instead, we must take our message of hope, justice, unity and peace to the wider community, and, yes, even Capitol Hill! I believe that real change happens when various groups – public and private, secular and religious, progressive and conservative, privileged and disadvantaged, old and young, black and white – work together to achieve a common goal.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Health, Religion & Society

Short Session Convenes, Senate Adopts Budget in Record Speed

May 27, 2010 By Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

The summer’s “short session” of the North Carolina General Assembly convened on May 12, a continuation of the 2009 session. Its primary task will be to adjust the 2010-11 budget adopted last year, though it can also take up bills that made it through one house last year, bills coming from study commissions, and bills amending the state Constitution.

Short Session Convenes, Senate Adopts Budget in Record Speed

May 27, 2010 · by Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

The summer’s “short session” of the North Carolina General Assembly convened on May 12, a continuation of the 2009 session. Its primary task will be to adjust the 2010-11 budget adopted last year, though it can also take up bills that made it through one house last year, bills coming from study commissions, and bills amending the state Constitution.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Children & Youth, Economic Justice, Environment, Health, Immigration, People with Disabilities, Public Education, State Budget

Justice, rights, faith

March 24, 2010 By Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Raleigh News & Observer

As followers of Jesus Christ, a healer known as the Great Physician, as believers in a God who loves and cares for all of his children equally, we at the N.C. Council of Churches are profoundly grateful for passage of health care reform legislation by the U.S. House of Representatives.

Justice, rights, faith

March 24, 2010 · by Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Raleigh News & Observer

As followers of Jesus Christ, a healer known as the Great Physician, as believers in a God who loves and cares for all of his children equally, we at the N.C. Council of Churches are profoundly grateful for passage of health care reform legislation by the U.S. House of Representatives.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Health, Healthcare Reform

Russell: Faith groups back universal care

March 9, 2010 By Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Durham Herald-Sun

Opinion: Many of the noisy detractors who rail against universal access to affordable health care are the same folks who loudly proclaim a pious faith and claim ethical superiority on other issues. Maybe they should listen to other religious voices on faith and ethics, voices of those who spend their lives studying the scriptures and serving people seriously impacted by our current health-care system.

Russell: Faith groups back universal care

March 9, 2010 · by Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Durham Herald-Sun

Opinion: Many of the noisy detractors who rail against universal access to affordable health care are the same folks who loudly proclaim a pious faith and claim ethical superiority on other issues. Maybe they should listen to other religious voices on faith and ethics, voices of those who spend their lives studying the scriptures and serving people seriously impacted by our current health-care system.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Health, Healthcare Reform

No Joy For You

October 16, 2009 By Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Rev. Deborah Patterson

Babylonian captivity. I believe we are there again, both literally and figuratively. We are literally in Babylon as American troops serve in an unending war in Iraq, the new name for that land. And, working with parish nurses, daily I hear stories which attest that we are figuratively being held captive by a health system that excludes millions, bankrupts millions, and keeps millions in jobs they despise but need for health insurance. Doctors are held captive by reimbursement plans that penalize them for spending more than 7 or 8 minutes with patients. Nurses are held captive by staffing patterns that keep them working longer shifts, with more and sicker and patients to care for. Churches are being held captive by health insurance costs that prevent them from being able to call full-time pastors.

No Joy For You

October 16, 2009 · by Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Rev. Deborah Patterson

Babylonian captivity. I believe we are there again, both literally and figuratively. We are literally in Babylon as American troops serve in an unending war in Iraq, the new name for that land. And, working with parish nurses, daily I hear stories which attest that we are figuratively being held captive by a health system that excludes millions, bankrupts millions, and keeps millions in jobs they despise but need for health insurance. Doctors are held captive by reimbursement plans that penalize them for spending more than 7 or 8 minutes with patients. Nurses are held captive by staffing patterns that keep them working longer shifts, with more and sicker and patients to care for. Churches are being held captive by health insurance costs that prevent them from being able to call full-time pastors.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Health, Healthcare Reform

Don’t You Care?

June 21, 2009 By Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Rev. Cliff Frasier, First Congregational Church, UCC (Washington, D.C.)

In the policy-making reform-world, we may talk about health care as a “right.” In the economic world we may talk about health care as a cost or even as a profit. [“p-r-o-f-i-t]. In the health-care-delivery world, the social-work-world, we may talk about health care as a need. But in our faith world, let us also talk about health care as a responsibility. As a moral responsibility. To care for God’s creation -- for ourselves, for each other. Let us talk about not-providing-health-care as a failure in the realm of moral-responsibility. In other words, to the degree we allow within moral reasoning the category of . . . . “sin” . . . let us allow the failure to provide healthcare to be understood in just that way.

Don’t You Care?

June 21, 2009 · by Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Rev. Cliff Frasier, First Congregational Church, UCC (Washington, D.C.)

In the policy-making reform-world, we may talk about health care as a “right.” In the economic world we may talk about health care as a cost or even as a profit. [“p-r-o-f-i-t]. In the health-care-delivery world, the social-work-world, we may talk about health care as a need. But in our faith world, let us also talk about health care as a responsibility. As a moral responsibility. To care for God’s creation — for ourselves, for each other. Let us talk about not-providing-health-care as a failure in the realm of moral-responsibility. In other words, to the degree we allow within moral reasoning the category of . . . . “sin” . . . let us allow the failure to provide healthcare to be understood in just that way.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Health, Healthcare Reform

Moral Dimensions of Tobacco

July 12, 1984 By Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

The Study Committee on Tobacco was formed by the NC Council of Churches in response to a dilemma faced by the citizens of NC. On the one hand, mounting medical evidence links the use of tobacco with numerous health problems. On the other hand, the long established tobacco economy is threatened. The tendency in NC has been to avoid or ignore the dilemma. Farmers, agribusiness people, manufacturers and distributors of tobacco products, as well as state officials, have found it difficult to deal directly with he crisis precipitated by the increasing pressure of negative health data.

Moral Dimensions of Tobacco

July 12, 1984 · by Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

The Study Committee on Tobacco was formed by the NC Council of Churches in response to a dilemma faced by the citizens of NC. On the one hand, mounting medical evidence links the use of tobacco with numerous health problems. On the other hand, the long established tobacco economy is threatened. The tendency in NC has been to avoid or ignore the dilemma. Farmers, agribusiness people, manufacturers and distributors of tobacco products, as well as state officials, have found it difficult to deal directly with he crisis precipitated by the increasing pressure of negative health data.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Health

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