PHW Voices

Doomed Veto Spotlights Budget Flaws

June 30, 2017 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Presented with a new state budget that, whatever its occasional virtues, is mainly about easing tax burdens on the well-off while grinding opponents of legislative Republicans into the dirt, Democratic […]

Doomed Veto Spotlights Budget Flaws

June 30, 2017 · by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

With Prescription Medication, Verify Before You Buy

June 29, 2017 By Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Would you be Surprised to know 97 percent of online pharmacies are illegitimate? The North Carolina Council of Churches has joined with Secretary of State Elaine Marshall and the Secretary […]

With Prescription Medication, Verify Before You Buy

June 29, 2017 · by Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Would you be Surprised to know 97 percent of online pharmacies are illegitimate? The North Carolina Council of Churches has joined with Secretary of State Elaine Marshall and the Secretary […]

Health Care CBO Score Proves Potential Harm

June 27, 2017 By Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

Late yesterday afternoon the Congressional Budget Office released their score of the Senate’s proposed health care plan and the numbers are extremely troubling. As our friends at the North Carolina […]

Health Care CBO Score Proves Potential Harm

June 27, 2017 · by Andrew Hudgins, Program Associate for Operations

Senate Health Care Plan Released: Would Make the Most Vulnerable More So

June 22, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Members of the United States Senate have released their proposed health care plan, all 142 pages of the “Better Care Reconciliation Act of 2017” developed in secrecy, with a score […]

Senate Health Care Plan Released: Would Make the Most Vulnerable More So

June 22, 2017 · by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Members of the United States Senate have released their proposed health care plan, all 142 pages of the “Better Care Reconciliation Act of 2017” developed in secrecy, with a score […]

New Budget with Old Agenda Falls Short

June 22, 2017 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

By now the strategy is familiar – the strategy used by the N.C. General Assembly’s Republican chiefs to try to make a fundamentally flawed state budget appear, well, not that […]

New Budget with Old Agenda Falls Short

June 22, 2017 · by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

By now the strategy is familiar – the strategy used by the N.C. General Assembly’s Republican chiefs to try to make a fundamentally flawed state budget appear, well, not that […]

Senate Health Care Plan — Let’s Keep Calling

June 21, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

As the Senate continues its secret deliberations on a health care plan that will effect all Americans, the potential impact on one of the most vulnerable groups in our society […]

Senate Health Care Plan — Let’s Keep Calling

June 21, 2017 · by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

As the Senate continues its secret deliberations on a health care plan that will effect all Americans, the potential impact on one of the most vulnerable groups in our society […]

Thursday, June 15 — NC Health Care Call-in Day

June 15, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The Council’s commitment to health care as a basic justice issue dates back decades. Significant progress toward health care for all was made with the Affordable Care Act, progress toward […]

Thursday, June 15 — NC Health Care Call-in Day

June 15, 2017 · by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The Council’s commitment to health care as a basic justice issue dates back decades. Significant progress toward health care for all was made with the Affordable Care Act, progress toward […]

Now what? Staying Engaged and Grow the Interfaith Climate Movement

June 2, 2017 By Susannah Tuttle, Eco-Justice Connection Director

We were already living in a time of profound consequence. President Trump’s decision to pull the U.S. out of the Paris Climate Agreement means that while the needs of our endangered climate are increasing, […]

Now what? Staying Engaged and Grow the Interfaith Climate Movement

June 2, 2017 · by Susannah Tuttle, Eco-Justice Connection Director

Gun Bill Advances in GA; National Gun Violence Awareness Day is June 2

June 1, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Consider the shame of the North Carolina General Assembly working to rush through a bill that weakens gun laws as National Gun Violence Awareness Day approaches. It is right up […]

Gun Bill Advances in GA; National Gun Violence Awareness Day is June 2

June 1, 2017 · by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Consider the shame of the North Carolina General Assembly working to rush through a bill that weakens gun laws as National Gun Violence Awareness Day approaches. It is right up […]

Heal the Sick

May 25, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

For more than two decades, the NC Council of Churches has called for access to health care for all. The score from the Congressional Budget Office makes it undeniably clear […]

Heal the Sick

May 25, 2017 · by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

For more than two decades, the NC Council of Churches has called for access to health care for all. The score from the Congressional Budget Office makes it undeniably clear […]

2018 Budget Proposal is the Antithesis of our Call

May 23, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Plenty of analysis is already happening around the 2018 budget proposal out of the White House. The Washington Post provides two helpful graphics here and here. More is being written […]

2018 Budget Proposal is the Antithesis of our Call

May 23, 2017 · by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Plenty of analysis is already happening around the 2018 budget proposal out of the White House. The Washington Post provides two helpful graphics here and here. More is being written […]

Budget’s Big Picture: A Crumbling Core

May 19, 2017 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

So, the question as always comes down to one of vision. The elected chieftains who decide how much money North Carolina’s state government will spend, what it will be spent […]

Budget’s Big Picture: A Crumbling Core

May 19, 2017 · by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

So, the question as always comes down to one of vision. The elected chieftains who decide how much money North Carolina’s state government will spend, what it will be spent […]

Apply for PHW Collaborative by May 31 to be Eligible for June Mini-Grant

May 11, 2017 By Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

The next Partners in Health and Wholeness Mini-grant Cycle will begin June 5. Interested congregations must apply to join the PHW Collaborative (previously PHW Certification) by May 31 to be […]

Apply for PHW Collaborative by May 31 to be Eligible for June Mini-Grant

May 11, 2017 · by Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

The next Partners in Health and Wholeness Mini-grant Cycle will begin June 5. Interested congregations must apply to join the PHW Collaborative (previously PHW Certification) by May 31 to be […]

Raleigh Report — May 10, 2017

May 11, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director [For more information on bills, including committee referrals and re-referrals, texts of bills, procedural histories, and recorded votes, go to the General Assembly website […]

Raleigh Report — May 10, 2017

May 11, 2017 · by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

House Passage of AHCA — We are Better Than This

May 4, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The passage of the American Health Care Act by the House of Representatives reflects a political choice on a life-or-death matter. If House members truly believed that this was the […]

House Passage of AHCA — We are Better Than This

May 4, 2017 · by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The passage of the American Health Care Act by the House of Representatives reflects a political choice on a life-or-death matter. If House members truly believed that this was the […]

Raleigh Report — April 26, 2017

April 27, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director [The deadlines for the introduction of most new bills have now passed, and we are in Crossover Week. By the end of the week, […]

Raleigh Report — April 26, 2017

April 27, 2017 · by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director [The deadlines for the introduction of most new bills have now passed, and we are in Crossover Week. By the end of the week, […]

Efforts to Cut Health Care Continue in Congress

April 24, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The public is opposed to efforts to replace the Affordable Care Act, but some members of the U.S. House of Representatives seem determined to forge ahead anyway. The latest version […]

Efforts to Cut Health Care Continue in Congress

April 24, 2017 · by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The public is opposed to efforts to replace the Affordable Care Act, but some members of the U.S. House of Representatives seem determined to forge ahead anyway. The latest version […]

Raleigh Report — April 21, 2017

April 21, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director [For the latest committee referrals and re-referrals, go to the General Assembly website www.ncleg.net. There you can also find the texts of bills, procedural […]

Raleigh Report — April 21, 2017

April 21, 2017 · by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Congress is on Recess but You Can Still Take Action

April 19, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Congressional leaders are still in their home states for their spring recess, but your voices are still important. Please attend town halls held by our elected leaders, and please request […]

Congress is on Recess but You Can Still Take Action

April 19, 2017 · by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Congressional leaders are still in their home states for their spring recess, but your voices are still important. Please attend town halls held by our elected leaders, and please request […]

Raleigh Report — April 17, 2017

April 17, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director Newly Introduced Bills BUDGET AND TAXES H 540, Teachers & State Employees Pay Raise, would give annual raises of $2,400 to teachers and other […]

Raleigh Report — April 17, 2017

April 17, 2017 · by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director Newly Introduced Bills BUDGET AND TAXES H 540, Teachers & State Employees Pay Raise, would give annual raises of $2,400 to teachers and other […]

New Push for Broader Medicaid, Better Health

April 14, 2017 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina’s failure under Republican leadership to improve low-income residents’ access to health care via the Medicaid program has been like a persistent, throbbing pain in the state’s civic and […]

New Push for Broader Medicaid, Better Health

April 14, 2017 · by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Raleigh Report — April 10, 2017

April 10, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director Bills are being introduced at a rapid pace as the Senate’s deadline for new bills has passed and the House’s deadline on non-money approaches. […]

Raleigh Report — April 10, 2017

April 10, 2017 · by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director Bills are being introduced at a rapid pace as the Senate’s deadline for new bills has passed and the House’s deadline on non-money approaches. […]

Work for Just and Equitable Health Care is Not Finished

April 6, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Every state legislator should be required to listen to the stories shared at a press conference organized this week by North Carolina advocates for health care. Anyone opposed to Medicaid […]

Work for Just and Equitable Health Care is Not Finished

April 6, 2017 · by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Every state legislator should be required to listen to the stories shared at a press conference organized this week by North Carolina advocates for health care. Anyone opposed to Medicaid […]

Speak Out Against Anti-Climate Executive Order

March 29, 2017 By Susannah Tuttle, Eco-Justice Connection Director

This week, Donald Trump issued an executive order to turn back the clock on the climate progress we have made over the past decade. In addition to directing the EPA to […]

Speak Out Against Anti-Climate Executive Order

March 29, 2017 · by Susannah Tuttle, Eco-Justice Connection Director

This week, Donald Trump issued an executive order to turn back the clock on the climate progress we have made over the past decade. In addition to directing the EPA to […]

UPDATE: Trumpcare Just Got Worse — Call Before Today’s Vote

March 24, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Thank you for every call, email, and letter to Congressional leaders that led to today’s decision to pull the American Health Care Act without a vote. Those committed to a […]

UPDATE: Trumpcare Just Got Worse — Call Before Today’s Vote

March 24, 2017 · by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Thank you for every call, email, and letter to Congressional leaders that led to today’s decision to pull the American Health Care Act without a vote. Those committed to a […]

If a Budget is a Moral Document, Then What Does this One Preach?

March 17, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The budget blueprint for 2018 released by President Trump on Thursday cuts a wide swath through programs that serve women, people of color, those of low income (for poor women […]

If a Budget is a Moral Document, Then What Does this One Preach?

March 17, 2017 · by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The budget blueprint for 2018 released by President Trump on Thursday cuts a wide swath through programs that serve women, people of color, those of low income (for poor women […]

Raleigh Report — March 13, 2017

March 14, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director Newly Introduced Bills CRIMINAL AND JUVENILE JUSTICE H 233, Ban the Box, would govern how state and local governments could use criminal histories in […]

Raleigh Report — March 13, 2017

March 14, 2017 · by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director Newly Introduced Bills CRIMINAL AND JUVENILE JUSTICE H 233, Ban the Box, would govern how state and local governments could use criminal histories in […]

Who Would Choose to be Poor or Sick?

March 13, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Around the release of the alt-health plan currently making its way through Congress, several elected leaders have gone where elected leaders sometimes go – blaming the poor for being poor. […]

Who Would Choose to be Poor or Sick?

March 13, 2017 · by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Around the release of the alt-health plan currently making its way through Congress, several elected leaders have gone where elected leaders sometimes go – blaming the poor for being poor. […]

Taking Away Health Care

March 8, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Despite evidence that the Affordable Care Act is more popular and more needed than ever, some Republicans in Congress have proceeded with partisan plans to repeal Obamacare while dismantling Medicaid […]

Taking Away Health Care

March 8, 2017 · by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

2017 Legislative Seminar: Advocate in NC as well as DC

March 6, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The political situation at the national level has occupied the time and attention of many faithful progressives. Each day has brought with it more reasons to be concerned for our […]

2017 Legislative Seminar: Advocate in NC as well as DC

March 6, 2017 · by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The political situation at the national level has occupied the time and attention of many faithful progressives. Each day has brought with it more reasons to be concerned for our […]

Introducing the Partners in Health and Wholeness Collaborative

March 3, 2017 By Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

We are pleased to introduce the PHW Collaborative. Mostly, it is a change in the name, so if your congregation has been a part of the Partners in Health and […]

Introducing the Partners in Health and Wholeness Collaborative

March 3, 2017 · by Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

We are pleased to introduce the PHW Collaborative. Mostly, it is a change in the name, so if your congregation has been a part of the Partners in Health and […]

PHW Launches Collaborative; Certify for 2017

March 3, 2017 By Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

We are pleased to introduce the PHW Collaborative. Mostly, it is a change in the name, so if your congregation has been a part of the Partners in Health and […]

PHW Launches Collaborative; Certify for 2017

March 3, 2017 · by Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

We are pleased to introduce the PHW Collaborative. Mostly, it is a change in the name, so if your congregation has been a part of the Partners in Health and […]

Raleigh Report — February 28, 2017

March 1, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director Newly Introduced Bills ENVIRONMENTAL CARE H 171, Change Exclusion for Solar Energy Systems. Current law provides an 80% exclusion from property taxation for the […]

Raleigh Report — February 28, 2017

March 1, 2017 · by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

PHW is Expanding

February 20, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Partners in Health and Wholeness is hiring for two new regional coordinators, one to serve in the Charlotte area and the other in the Wilmington area. Both positions are open […]

PHW is Expanding

February 20, 2017 · by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Partners in Health and Wholeness is hiring for two new regional coordinators, one to serve in the Charlotte area and the other in the Wilmington area. Both positions are open […]

Welcome Andrew and Michelle!

February 15, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The Council has added two new staffers in recent months. Andrew Hudgins is our Program Associate for Operations, and Michelle Peedin is our Program Associate for North Carolina Interfaith Power […]

Welcome Andrew and Michelle!

February 15, 2017 · by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The Council has added two new staffers in recent months. Andrew Hudgins is our Program Associate for Operations, and Michelle Peedin is our Program Associate for North Carolina Interfaith Power […]

Getting Back to Our Normal: Some Suggestions for the Long Haul

January 27, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Our friend Rob Schofield over at Policy Watch wrote a column on Tuesday that was as vitally important in its truth-telling as it was hard to read for the future […]

Getting Back to Our Normal: Some Suggestions for the Long Haul

January 27, 2017 · by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Our friend Rob Schofield over at Policy Watch wrote a column on Tuesday that was as vitally important in its truth-telling as it was hard to read for the future […]

The ACA Remains in Place; 2017 Open Enrollment ends January 31

January 25, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The Affordable Care Act is still in place for 2017, and as our friends at the NC Justice Center remind us, nothing has changed for this year. Plans, prices, deadlines, […]

The ACA Remains in Place; 2017 Open Enrollment ends January 31

January 25, 2017 · by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The Affordable Care Act is still in place for 2017, and as our friends at the NC Justice Center remind us, nothing has changed for this year. Plans, prices, deadlines, […]

Let’s Keep Marching

January 23, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

At another time in my life, I would not have spent most of Saturday occupying my tiny square of personal space in the heart of Washington DC, literally shoulder to […]

Let’s Keep Marching

January 23, 2017 · by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

At another time in my life, I would not have spent most of Saturday occupying my tiny square of personal space in the heart of Washington DC, literally shoulder to […]

Medicaid Push: Cooper’s Strong Start

January 20, 2017 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

For many of us, these are troubling times as Donald Trump ascends to the nation’s highest office. We can hope for the best but it’s hard not to anticipate the […]

Medicaid Push: Cooper’s Strong Start

January 20, 2017 · by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

For many of us, these are troubling times as Donald Trump ascends to the nation’s highest office. We can hope for the best but it’s hard not to anticipate the […]

Healthy Churches 2020 National Conference

January 17, 2017 By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Pizazz. Laughter. Friends. Singing. These words describe the Healthy Churches 2020 National Conference. But, did you know that a faith and health national conference even exists? Healthy Churches 2020 held […]

Healthy Churches 2020 National Conference

January 17, 2017 · by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Pope Francis Advocates for Breastfeeding in Worship

January 12, 2017 By Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

In the past Partners in Health and Wholeness had a program dedicated to helping worshipping communities promote breastfeeding and support breastfeeding mothers. This week, the most prominent religious leader in the world, the […]

Pope Francis Advocates for Breastfeeding in Worship

January 12, 2017 · by Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

Speak Out on Cabinet Nominees

January 10, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Groups at the state and national level continue to mobilize around concerns about President-Elect Donald Trump’s stated policy objectives and choices for cabinet posts. The NC NAACP, Interfaith Power & […]

Speak Out on Cabinet Nominees

January 10, 2017 · by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Update: Save Our Health Care Rallies Statewide on January 15

January 10, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

On Friday, the House of Representatives voted to continue the process that could ultimately repeal the Affordable Care Act. Activists across the nation were already planning Day of Action events […]

Update: Save Our Health Care Rallies Statewide on January 15

January 10, 2017 · by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

PHW Mini-Grants Now Open

January 7, 2017 By Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

We are excited to announce that we are now accepting mini-grant applications. Congregations who were certified in 2016 (and have not already received a grant from the last cycle) are […]

PHW Mini-Grants Now Open

January 7, 2017 · by Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

We are excited to announce that we are now accepting mini-grant applications. Congregations who were certified in 2016 (and have not already received a grant from the last cycle) are […]

Partners in Health and Wholeness Grant Cycle Opens January 6

January 5, 2017 By Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

PHW-certified congregations across North Carolina are eligible to apply for a mini-grant to assist in furthering their commitment to health and wholeness. Mini-grant application periods are open twice a year; […]

Partners in Health and Wholeness Grant Cycle Opens January 6

January 5, 2017 · by Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Two PHW Regional Coordinators Recognized

January 2, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Two of the Partners in Health and Wholeness program’s regional coordinators have been honored recently. Joy Williams has been named a 2017 Rural Health Fellow by the National Rural Health […]

Two PHW Regional Coordinators Recognized

January 2, 2017 · by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Two of the Partners in Health and Wholeness program’s regional coordinators have been honored recently. Joy Williams has been named a 2017 Rural Health Fellow by the National Rural Health […]

Job Opening: Program Associate for PHW and NCIPL

January 1, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The Council is hiring a full-time program associate to support Partners in Health and Wholeness and North Carolina Interfaith Power and Light. The full job description is posted below and […]

Job Opening: Program Associate for PHW and NCIPL

January 1, 2017 · by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The Council is hiring a full-time program associate to support Partners in Health and Wholeness and North Carolina Interfaith Power and Light. The full job description is posted below and […]

The Rural Oasis: Conetoe Family Life Center

December 28, 2016 By Rev. Jessica Stokes, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Mental Health Advocacy

The amount of grassroots, efficient, and sustainable Kingdom work happening in North Carolina is astounding. People across our state are working together in various communities to promote health and wholeness. […]

The Rural Oasis: Conetoe Family Life Center

December 28, 2016 · by Rev. Jessica Stokes, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Mental Health Advocacy

The Council Welcomes Your End-of-Year Gift

December 26, 2016 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Looking ahead to 2017, there is much more work for the Council to do than we ever imagined. Please join us. Your financial support helps us continue what began in […]

The Council Welcomes Your End-of-Year Gift

December 26, 2016 · by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Looking ahead to 2017, there is much more work for the Council to do than we ever imagined. Please join us. Your financial support helps us continue what began in […]

Support North Carolina’s Faithful Voice for Justice, Unity, and Peace

December 18, 2016 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

We are living in unsettling times. Progress we once thought inviolable now feels threatened. One constant is the NC Council of Churches and our commitment to a more just, united, […]

Support North Carolina’s Faithful Voice for Justice, Unity, and Peace

December 18, 2016 · by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

We are living in unsettling times. Progress we once thought inviolable now feels threatened. One constant is the NC Council of Churches and our commitment to a more just, united, […]

Join in the Support of Belhaven’s Pungo Hospital

December 16, 2016 By Rev. Jessica Stokes, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Mental Health Advocacy

Community leaders continue to work endlessly to save the Pungo Hospital in Belhaven. Please join clergy and those concerned for justice this Wednesday, December 21, 10 a.m., at the Wake […]

Join in the Support of Belhaven’s Pungo Hospital

December 16, 2016 · by Rev. Jessica Stokes, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Mental Health Advocacy

Community leaders continue to work endlessly to save the Pungo Hospital in Belhaven. Please join clergy and those concerned for justice this Wednesday, December 21, 10 a.m., at the Wake […]

Community Contributes to Our Wholeness

November 10, 2016 By Rev. Jessica Stokes, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Mental Health Advocacy

Partners in Health and Wholeness ambitiously endeavors to work for and toward issues of mind, body, and spirit with faith communities. The words ‘health’ and ‘wholeness’ are truly huge words, […]

Community Contributes to Our Wholeness

November 10, 2016 · by Rev. Jessica Stokes, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Mental Health Advocacy

NC Family Featured in Video on Need for Medicaid Expansion

November 7, 2016 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By Nina Voli, Duke Divinity School Intern Although the Affordable Care Act expanded health care coverage to millions of Americans, the Supreme Court ruled that state enrollment in Medicaid expansion was optional. […]

NC Family Featured in Video on Need for Medicaid Expansion

November 7, 2016 · by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

At Campaign Trail’s End, Voters Rule

October 27, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

As the 2016 campaign season grinds along the final stretch toward Election Day on Nov. 8 – and with thousands of North Carolinians already having cast their ballots – we […]

At Campaign Trail’s End, Voters Rule

October 27, 2016 · by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

As the 2016 campaign season grinds along the final stretch toward Election Day on Nov. 8 – and with thousands of North Carolinians already having cast their ballots – we […]

PHW Certification Deadline Extended to November 15

October 14, 2016 By Rev. Jessica Stokes, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Mental Health Advocacy

The Partners in Health and Wholeness program originally had an October 31 deadline for our 2016 certification applications. However, due to the severity of Hurricane Matthew, we are extending our […]

PHW Certification Deadline Extended to November 15

October 14, 2016 · by Rev. Jessica Stokes, Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness, Mental Health Advocacy

2016 PHW Certifications Close on October 31 — Apply to be Considered for January Mini-Grants

October 10, 2016 By Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Partners in Health and Wholeness (PHW) offers an annual certification program to congregations across the state. Churches participating in PHW actively demonstrate their commitment to improving their health as well […]

2016 PHW Certifications Close on October 31 — Apply to be Considered for January Mini-Grants

October 10, 2016 · by Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Concord UMC: Planting Seeds and Watching Hearts Grow

September 14, 2016 By Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

By Kaitlyn Brodar, PHW Intern As the health lead for Concord UMC in Graham, NC, Donna Poe spends most of her time in the garden. Even as we were talking, […]

Concord UMC: Planting Seeds and Watching Hearts Grow

September 14, 2016 · by Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

By Kaitlyn Brodar, PHW Intern As the health lead for Concord UMC in Graham, NC, Donna Poe spends most of her time in the garden. Even as we were talking, […]

Health, Wholeness, and Climate Change?

September 9, 2016 By Nicole Johnson, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

“Partners in Health and Wholeness, an initiative of the North Carolina Council of Churches, is designed to bridge issues of faith, health and social justice.” These are the words that […]

Health, Wholeness, and Climate Change?

September 9, 2016 · by Nicole Johnson, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

“Partners in Health and Wholeness, an initiative of the North Carolina Council of Churches, is designed to bridge issues of faith, health and social justice.” These are the words that […]

PHW Success Story- Corinth AME Zion, Siler City

September 2, 2016 By Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

By Kaitlyn Brodar, PHW Intern I recently had the distinct pleasure of speaking with Norma Boone, the health lead at Corinth AME Zion Church in Siler City, NC. The church […]

PHW Success Story- Corinth AME Zion, Siler City

September 2, 2016 · by Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

By Kaitlyn Brodar, PHW Intern I recently had the distinct pleasure of speaking with Norma Boone, the health lead at Corinth AME Zion Church in Siler City, NC. The church […]

PHW Success Story- St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, Durham

August 24, 2016 By Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

By Kaitlyn Brodar, PHW Intern St. Philip’s Episcopal Church is a gold-level PHW congregation in Durham, North Carolina. While the health ministry team and pastors have promoted health in a […]

PHW Success Story- St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, Durham

August 24, 2016 · by Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

By Kaitlyn Brodar, PHW Intern St. Philip’s Episcopal Church is a gold-level PHW congregation in Durham, North Carolina. While the health ministry team and pastors have promoted health in a […]

PHW Success Story- Soul Harvest Apostolic Church, Spring Lake

August 12, 2016 By Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

By Kaitlyn Brodar, PHW Intern The Soul Harvest Apostolic Church is a gold-level PHW congregation that has been certified since 2012 and is firmly committed to healthy eating. They have […]

PHW Success Story- Soul Harvest Apostolic Church, Spring Lake

August 12, 2016 · by Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

By Kaitlyn Brodar, PHW Intern The Soul Harvest Apostolic Church is a gold-level PHW congregation that has been certified since 2012 and is firmly committed to healthy eating. They have […]

August is National Breastfeeding Month

August 4, 2016 By Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

Did you know that August is National Breastfeeding Month and that this week is World Breastfeeding Week? Breastfeeding has some important health implications for both mom and baby. It also […]

August is National Breastfeeding Month

August 4, 2016 · by Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

Did you know that August is National Breastfeeding Month and that this week is World Breastfeeding Week? Breastfeeding has some important health implications for both mom and baby. It also […]

Untapped Resources: A Treasure for One Congregation and Their Community

July 22, 2016 By Nicole Johnson, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

July 16, 2016 is the 2-month mark since Regional Coordinator for Western North Carolina became my full time position with the NCCC’s Partners in Health and Wholeness Initiative. This is significant […]

Untapped Resources: A Treasure for One Congregation and Their Community

July 22, 2016 · by Nicole Johnson, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Gun Violence and Public Health

July 15, 2016 By Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

New York City’s Health Commissioner, Dr. Mary Bassett, recently published a blog on the Huffington Post about Gun Violence as a public health issue. It is essential that we pay […]

Gun Violence and Public Health

July 15, 2016 · by Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

New York City’s Health Commissioner, Dr. Mary Bassett, recently published a blog on the Huffington Post about Gun Violence as a public health issue. It is essential that we pay […]

Health Insurance for All Means Healthier Children

July 8, 2016 By Liz Millar, Medicaid Expansion Project Coordinator

All children deserve to have a strong start in life and the chance to become a happy, healthy, productive adults. Infant mortality rates, or the number of infants who die […]

Health Insurance for All Means Healthier Children

July 8, 2016 · by Liz Millar, Medicaid Expansion Project Coordinator

All children deserve to have a strong start in life and the chance to become a happy, healthy, productive adults. Infant mortality rates, or the number of infants who die […]

Eating Faithfully

July 7, 2016 By Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

What does it mean to eat faithfully? This is a deeply personal, yet essentially communal question that we often don’t take the time to consider. Delving into this question, however, […]

Eating Faithfully

July 7, 2016 · by Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

What does it mean to eat faithfully? This is a deeply personal, yet essentially communal question that we often don’t take the time to consider. Delving into this question, however, […]

New Staff Members Join the Council

July 2, 2016 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

The Council gained two new staff members in May. Meet Nicole Johnson and Jessica Stokes below.

New Staff Members Join the Council

July 2, 2016 · by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

The Council gained two new staff members in May. Meet Nicole Johnson and Jessica Stokes below.

Five Questions Answered on Medicaid Expansion

June 16, 2016 By Liz Millar, Medicaid Expansion Project Coordinator

Why are health care premiums steadily going up? Gallup polls at the end of 2015 found that 74% of Americans say the amount they pay in premiums had gone up […]

Five Questions Answered on Medicaid Expansion

June 16, 2016 · by Liz Millar, Medicaid Expansion Project Coordinator

Why are health care premiums steadily going up? Gallup polls at the end of 2015 found that 74% of Americans say the amount they pay in premiums had gone up […]

A Reminder of Evelyn

June 11, 2016 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director of the NC Council of Churches The New York Times Sunday Magazine for May 15, 2016 – the annual health issue – focused entirely […]

A Reminder of Evelyn

June 11, 2016 · by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director of the NC Council of Churches The New York Times Sunday Magazine for May 15, 2016 – the annual health issue – focused entirely […]

The Effort to Expand Medicaid in North Carolina Continues

June 4, 2016 By Liz Millar, Medicaid Expansion Project Coordinator

As the General Assembly’s biennial short session continues, Medicaid expansion continues to be a hot issue for North Carolina. On May 25, concerned citizens gathered outside the General Assembly for Medicaid […]

The Effort to Expand Medicaid in North Carolina Continues

June 4, 2016 · by Liz Millar, Medicaid Expansion Project Coordinator

PHW Reminder: Certify in May to Qualify for Mini-Grants in June

May 25, 2016 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Certification in the Council’s Partners in Health and Wholeness program is up and running. Faith communities must certify by May 31 to be eligible for mini-grant opportunities in June. In 2016, mini-grant […]

PHW Reminder: Certify in May to Qualify for Mini-Grants in June

May 25, 2016 · by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Creating Healthier Food Pantries: Workshop and Lunch

May 17, 2016 By Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

Every congregation I have worked with has collected and donated food as a part of their mission and outreach. Feeding the hungry is an essential part of both the history […]

Creating Healthier Food Pantries: Workshop and Lunch

May 17, 2016 · by Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

Every congregation I have worked with has collected and donated food as a part of their mission and outreach. Feeding the hungry is an essential part of both the history […]

2016 Critical Issues Seminar — Register for Workshops

April 5, 2016 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Registration for 2016 Critical Issues Seminar workshops is now available online. If you have not yet registered, please use the form below to do so and include your selection for […]

2016 Critical Issues Seminar — Register for Workshops

April 5, 2016 · by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Registration for 2016 Critical Issues Seminar workshops is now available online. If you have not yet registered, please use the form below to do so and include your selection for […]

Reform Medicaid by Expanding It

April 4, 2016 By Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

Remarks delivered on March 30 by Volunteer Program Associate Sandy Irving at the Raleigh public hearing on Medicaid reform. As Medicaid reform is being planned, please consider including Medicaid expansion […]

Reform Medicaid by Expanding It

April 4, 2016 · by Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

State Medicaid Reform Could Be an Opportunity for Expansion

March 17, 2016 By Liz Millar, Medicaid Expansion Project Coordinator

Several public hearings have been planned around the state over the next few months to receive public input on the new plan for Medicaid reform. The plan would move Medicaid, the state […]

State Medicaid Reform Could Be an Opportunity for Expansion

March 17, 2016 · by Liz Millar, Medicaid Expansion Project Coordinator

Several public hearings have been planned around the state over the next few months to receive public input on the new plan for Medicaid reform. The plan would move Medicaid, the state […]

The Path Toward Energy Justice: Creating a Climate for Change

March 4, 2016 By Susannah Tuttle, Eco-Justice Connection Director

Infographic by Tracy Loeffelholz Dunn / The Nation. Shutterstock images from Lorelyn Medina, Agusto Cabral The Clean Power Plan, and transitioning to a clean energy economy more broadly, are creating […]

The Path Toward Energy Justice: Creating a Climate for Change

March 4, 2016 · by Susannah Tuttle, Eco-Justice Connection Director

Medicaid Expansion Benefits Everyone in NC

March 2, 2016 By Liz Millar, Medicaid Expansion Project Coordinator

There is little dispute that Medicaid expansion stands to benefit more than 400,000 uninsured North Carolinians who currently fall in the coverage gap. What is more often disputed is the […]

Medicaid Expansion Benefits Everyone in NC

March 2, 2016 · by Liz Millar, Medicaid Expansion Project Coordinator

There is little dispute that Medicaid expansion stands to benefit more than 400,000 uninsured North Carolinians who currently fall in the coverage gap. What is more often disputed is the […]

Farmworkers and the ACA

February 26, 2016 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

The deadline for enrolling in the Health Insurance Marketplace came and went at the end of January. Though the ACA open enrollment period has passed, those experiencing certain life events – […]

Farmworkers and the ACA

February 26, 2016 · by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

The deadline for enrolling in the Health Insurance Marketplace came and went at the end of January. Though the ACA open enrollment period has passed, those experiencing certain life events – […]

“None of These Diseases” – Faith, Justice, and God’s Desire for Healthy Community

February 16, 2016 By Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

By Brian Hollingsworth, Partners in Health and Wholeness Intern, Wake Forest University School of Divinity …When they came to Marah, they could not drink the water of Marah because it […]

“None of These Diseases” – Faith, Justice, and God’s Desire for Healthy Community

February 16, 2016 · by Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

By Brian Hollingsworth, Partners in Health and Wholeness Intern, Wake Forest University School of Divinity …When they came to Marah, they could not drink the water of Marah because it […]

The ACA and the Latino Community: Challenges and Successes

February 12, 2016 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

On March 23, 2010, President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act. This law put in place comprehensive health insurance reforms that helped to make health care more affordable and accessible […]

The ACA and the Latino Community: Challenges and Successes

February 12, 2016 · by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

On March 23, 2010, President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act. This law put in place comprehensive health insurance reforms that helped to make health care more affordable and accessible […]

New Staff Members Join the Council

January 31, 2016 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The Council gained two new staff members in January. Meet Liz Millar and Chris Pernell below.

New Staff Members Join the Council

January 31, 2016 · by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The Council gained two new staff members in January. Meet Liz Millar and Chris Pernell below.

New Medicaid Expansion Effort Launches — Presentations and Petition Available

January 25, 2016 By Liz Millar, Medicaid Expansion Project Coordinator

Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health care is the most shocking and inhumane. –Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., in a speech to the Medical Committee for Human […]

New Medicaid Expansion Effort Launches — Presentations and Petition Available

January 25, 2016 · by Liz Millar, Medicaid Expansion Project Coordinator

Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health care is the most shocking and inhumane. –Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., in a speech to the Medical Committee for Human […]

Health Care for Legal Immigrants: Resources and Events

January 24, 2016 By Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

To see this message in Spanish click here. Para ver este mensaje en español haga un clic aquí). At the North Carolina Council of Churches, we believe that access to […]

Health Care for Legal Immigrants: Resources and Events

January 24, 2016 · by Jennie Belle, Former Immigration and Farmworkers Director

To see this message in Spanish click here. Para ver este mensaje en español haga un clic aquí). At the North Carolina Council of Churches, we believe that access to […]

Wake Divinity School Grooms Young Leaders With Soil

January 14, 2016 By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

I have the pleasure of continuing to work with Fred Bahnson, director of the Food, Faith, and Religious Leadership Initiative at the Wake Forest University Divinity School. Partners in Health […]

Wake Divinity School Grooms Young Leaders With Soil

January 14, 2016 · by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

I have the pleasure of continuing to work with Fred Bahnson, director of the Food, Faith, and Religious Leadership Initiative at the Wake Forest University Divinity School. Partners in Health […]

Strive to Revive Maintenance Grants

January 6, 2016 By Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

By Nicole Johnson, Strive to Revive Assistant The Strive to Revive (STR) Maintenance Grant Program is now open. This program is focused on providing resources, technical support, and financial assistance to congregations […]

Strive to Revive Maintenance Grants

January 6, 2016 · by Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

Partnerships that Work: Linda Tyndall

January 6, 2016 By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Sister Linda Tyndall has been a beautiful champion for health and faith outreach in Lumberton. Without her, I would not have known how to reach so many people in such a […]

Partnerships that Work: Linda Tyndall

January 6, 2016 · by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Sister Linda Tyndall has been a beautiful champion for health and faith outreach in Lumberton. Without her, I would not have known how to reach so many people in such a […]

Pre-Diabetic?

December 30, 2015 By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

I just found out that I was pre-diabetic. This has never shown up in my blood draws before and I was stunned. “Really?” I say laughing, not sure how exactly […]

Pre-Diabetic?

December 30, 2015 · by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

I just found out that I was pre-diabetic. This has never shown up in my blood draws before and I was stunned. “Really?” I say laughing, not sure how exactly […]

Kneading Bread Over the Holidays

December 22, 2015 By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Waking up at 4:30 in the morning, oven alerting the baker to the first batch of fresh bread coming out of the oven — that is what I most remember […]

Kneading Bread Over the Holidays

December 22, 2015 · by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Waking up at 4:30 in the morning, oven alerting the baker to the first batch of fresh bread coming out of the oven — that is what I most remember […]

Announcing Strive to Revive Maintenance Grants

December 21, 2015 By Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

By Nicole Johnson, Strive to Revive Assistant The Council is excited to announce our upcoming Strive to Revive Maintenance Grant Program. This program is focused on providing resources, financial assistance, and technical […]

Announcing Strive to Revive Maintenance Grants

December 21, 2015 · by Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

We’re Hiring: PHW Regional Coordinators in Western and Eastern NC

December 19, 2015 By Monica Motley, Former Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

The Council is hiring two full-time Partners in Health and Wholeness Regional Coordinators, one to serve in Western North Carolina and one to serve in Eastern North Carolina. Each will serve […]

We’re Hiring: PHW Regional Coordinators in Western and Eastern NC

December 19, 2015 · by Monica Motley, Former Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

The Council is hiring two full-time Partners in Health and Wholeness Regional Coordinators, one to serve in Western North Carolina and one to serve in Eastern North Carolina. Each will serve […]

Congregations Provide Great Feedback for PHW Certification Improvements

December 16, 2015 By Monica Motley, Former Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

A big thank you to the 33 congregational participants in the PHW Certification Survey. Valuable feedback and suggestions were offered to better ensure that we are able to provide congregations with a certification program […]

Congregations Provide Great Feedback for PHW Certification Improvements

December 16, 2015 · by Monica Motley, Former Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

PHW Intern Reflections

December 6, 2015 By Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

By Brian Hollingsworth, PHW Intern, Wake Forest University School of Divinity A few years ago, my faith needed a breath of new life. Despite having grown up in church, being […]

PHW Intern Reflections

December 6, 2015 · by Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

By Brian Hollingsworth, PHW Intern, Wake Forest University School of Divinity A few years ago, my faith needed a breath of new life. Despite having grown up in church, being […]

CNN Honors Rev. Richard Joyner of Conetoe Family Life Center

November 21, 2015 By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

The garden at Conetoe Family Life Center in Conetoe, NC is more than just about growing food; it’s about changing mindsets, bodies, and redefining food equity power structures. In response […]

CNN Honors Rev. Richard Joyner of Conetoe Family Life Center

November 21, 2015 · by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

The garden at Conetoe Family Life Center in Conetoe, NC is more than just about growing food; it’s about changing mindsets, bodies, and redefining food equity power structures. In response […]

Learning to Grieve, Part 2

November 18, 2015 By Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Grieving is a healthy response to life’s brokenness. When we grieve we allow our emotions to catch up with our minds. It allows us to think more clearly, make better […]

Learning to Grieve, Part 2

November 18, 2015 · by Joy Williams, Former PHW Regional Coordinator

Grieving is a healthy response to life’s brokenness. When we grieve we allow our emotions to catch up with our minds. It allows us to think more clearly, make better […]

Job Opening — Application Deadline November 30

November 18, 2015 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The Council is hiring a full-time position for our Partners in Health and Wholeness program. Responsibilities for the Project Manager role include:| Administrative oversight for the Certification Programs and Mini-Grant Program. Specifically: disseminate […]