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PHW Voices

Caring for Mind, Body, and Spirit: The Church’s Commitment to Mental Health

By Rev. Carrilea Hall, West Regional Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

May is Mental Health Awareness Month — a time to shine a light on mental wellbeing and to affirm that caring for our mental health is not only essential, but sacred. At the North Carolina Council of Churches, we believe the Church has a vital role to play in the mental health and wellbeing of […]

Caring for Mind, Body, and Spirit: The Church’s Commitment to Mental Health

· by Rev. Carrilea Hall, West Regional Associate Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

May is Mental Health Awareness Month — a time to shine a light on mental wellbeing and to affirm that caring for our mental health is not only essential, but sacred. At the North Carolina Council of Churches, we believe the Church has a vital role to play in the mental health and wellbeing of […]

2025 Faith and Mental Health Summits Recap

By Partners in Health and Wholeness

In 2025, we had the privilege of hosting three impactful Faith and Health Summits across North Carolina—Asheville, Sanford, and Greenville. These events brought together 250+ faith leaders, mental health professionals, community organizers, and individuals passionate about bridging the gap between spiritual well-being and mental health. Each summit was unique in its setting, yet united in […]

2025 Faith and Mental Health Summits Recap

· by Partners in Health and Wholeness

In 2025, we had the privilege of hosting three impactful Faith and Health Summits across North Carolina—Asheville, Sanford, and Greenville. These events brought together 250+ faith leaders, mental health professionals, community organizers, and individuals passionate about bridging the gap between spiritual well-being and mental health. Each summit was unique in its setting, yet united in […]

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

Facing the Storm, Finding the Stillness

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 know what it means to face a storm without fear, to see that while nature is powerful and unpredictable, it is also something to respect, […]

Facing the Storm, Finding the Stillness

· 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 know what it means to face a storm without fear, to see that while nature is powerful and unpredictable, it is also something to respect, […]

Healthier Aging through Intergenerational Inclusion

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 older folks to connect in what gerontologist Dr. Karl Pillemer refers to as “equal status contact” through consistent, intergenerational programming has been shown to offer […]

Healthier Aging through Intergenerational Inclusion

· 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 older folks to connect in what gerontologist Dr. Karl Pillemer refers to as “equal status contact” through consistent, intergenerational programming has been shown to offer […]

Navigating Grief During the Holidays

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 row of the church and my 36-year-old sister, who was now resting in a beautiful pink and white casket.  On April 20, 2023, my 3-year-old […]

Navigating Grief During the Holidays

· 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 row of the church and my 36-year-old sister, who was now resting in a beautiful pink and white casket.  On April 20, 2023, my 3-year-old […]

Navigating Grief and Hope

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 the only place where the word “suicide” can’t be used; just ask a church-going family who experienced the loss of a loved one due to […]

Navigating Grief and Hope

· 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 the only place where the word “suicide” can’t be used; just ask a church-going family who experienced the loss of a loved one due to […]

A Clergy’s Call to Confronting Opioid Overdose

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.m.  I noticed a young man passed out in a car with the door open and one leg on the ground. When I approached the […]

A Clergy’s Call to Confronting Opioid Overdose

· 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.m.  I noticed a young man passed out in a car with the door open and one leg on the ground. When I approached the […]

September is Healthy Aging Month at PHW and Beyond!

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 encouraged by the commitment so many congregations are making to prioritize the welcome and wellness of the older adults in their community across a mix […]

September is Healthy Aging Month at PHW and Beyond!

· 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 encouraged by the commitment so many congregations are making to prioritize the welcome and wellness of the older adults in their community across a mix […]

A Faith-Focused Suicide Prevention Training for All

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 even with the best intentions, we can say unhelpful words to those that are hurting around us. When there is a death by suicide in […]

A Faith-Focused Suicide Prevention Training for All

· 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 even with the best intentions, we can say unhelpful words to those that are hurting around us. When there is a death by suicide in […]

May is Mental Health Month!

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 concerns and eliminate stigma. Faith communities can promote mental health as an opportunity, not a hardship. Consider these starting points to help your faith community approach […]

May is Mental Health Month!

· 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 concerns and eliminate stigma. Faith communities can promote mental health as an opportunity, not a hardship. Consider these starting points to help your faith community approach […]

Ministry Along I-95 Requires New Tools for Clergy

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 the other vendors offering gifts of hand sanitizer, mints, and pens, Dudley and a coworker greeted guests with a table that contained pink, white, and […]

Ministry Along I-95 Requires New Tools for Clergy

· 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 the other vendors offering gifts of hand sanitizer, mints, and pens, Dudley and a coworker greeted guests with a table that contained pink, white, and […]

Nourishing Lives During National Nutrition Month

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 emotions – both positive and negative. The word may summon memories of clinical or agency interactions, school lunches, ponderings over labels in the grocery aisle, […]

Nourishing Lives During National Nutrition Month

· 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 emotions – both positive and negative. The word may summon memories of clinical or agency interactions, school lunches, ponderings over labels in the grocery aisle, […]

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

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 of the church’s Resource Center located at 1062 East Avenue, Hassell, N.C.  The church started in Greenville, but relocated to Hassell after purchasing a church […]

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

· 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 of the church’s Resource Center located at 1062 East Avenue, Hassell, N.C.  The church started in Greenville, but relocated to Hassell after purchasing a church […]

Introducing Healthy Aging and Mental Health Inclusion Plans

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 Mental Health and Healthy Aging. We hope your faith community and health ministries find them empowering and inspiring.  Inclusion Plan FAQs: Inclusion Plans are intentional, […]

Introducing Healthy Aging and Mental Health Inclusion Plans

· 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 Mental Health and Healthy Aging. We hope your faith community and health ministries find them empowering and inspiring.  Inclusion Plan FAQs: Inclusion Plans are intentional, […]

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

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 Excellence in Community Innovation to Annie McIver, Health Lead for Cameron Grove African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. Willona Stallings was the first director of Partners […]

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

· 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 Excellence in Community Innovation to Annie McIver, Health Lead for Cameron Grove African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. Willona Stallings was the first director of Partners […]

International Overdose Awareness Day

By Elizabeth Brewington, Overdose Response Program Coordinator

August 31st is International Overdose Awareness day. It is a day to remember those we have lost to overdose and to raise awareness on evidence-based practices to prevent overdoses like overdose prevention centers and overdose reversal medication such as Naloxone and Narcan. According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), an average of nine North Carolinians died each day from a drug overdose in 2020.  Each one […]

International Overdose Awareness Day

· by Elizabeth Brewington, Overdose Response Program Coordinator

August 31st is International Overdose Awareness day. It is a day to remember those we have lost to overdose and to raise awareness on evidence-based practices to prevent overdoses like overdose prevention centers and overdose reversal medication such as Naloxone and Narcan. According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), an average of nine North Carolinians died each day from a drug overdose in 2020.  Each one […]

Faith and Health Summit 2022 Mindful Safety: Covid Protocols

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 Trinity Episcopal Church in Greensboro on September 15 anytime throughout the day or all day from 8:30 am to 3 pm. As you may have […]

Faith and Health Summit 2022 Mindful Safety: Covid Protocols

· 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 Trinity Episcopal Church in Greensboro on September 15 anytime throughout the day or all day from 8:30 am to 3 pm. As you may have […]

Health Ministry as Peace Work – A Reflection on Peace Month

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

This August marks one year since I first reached out to the Partners in Health & Wholeness (PHW) team as a potential host site for my Senior Practicum in Peace & Conflict Studies at UNC Greensboro. The ministry and values of PHW put them at the top of my peace internship wish list.  It might seem odd […]

Health Ministry as Peace Work – A Reflection on Peace Month

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

This August marks one year since I first reached out to the Partners in Health & Wholeness (PHW) team as a potential host site for my Senior Practicum in Peace & Conflict Studies at UNC Greensboro. The ministry and values of PHW put them at the top of my peace internship wish list.  It might seem odd […]

Faith and Health Summit 2022

By Nicole Johnson, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

MINDFUL TOGETHER Psalm 46:10 Be still and know that I am God The countdown has begun. Did you know that the Partners in Health and Wholeness Faith and Health Summit is back this year? We are counting down the weeks until September 15, 2022. Join us at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Greensboro September 15 anytime throughout […]

Faith and Health Summit 2022

· by Nicole Johnson, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

MINDFUL TOGETHER Psalm 46:10 Be still and know that I am God The countdown has begun. Did you know that the Partners in Health and Wholeness Faith and Health Summit is back this year? We are counting down the weeks until September 15, 2022. Join us at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Greensboro September 15 anytime throughout […]

Meeting the Moment for LGBTQ+ Older Adults

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 LGBTQ+ older adults mirror those of non-LGBTQ+ older adults in many ways, networks of support are especially crucial to the health and well-being of LGBTQ+ […]

Meeting the Moment for LGBTQ+ Older Adults

· 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 LGBTQ+ older adults mirror those of non-LGBTQ+ older adults in many ways, networks of support are especially crucial to the health and well-being of LGBTQ+ […]

Aging and Imago Dei

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 of how our society and our communities live out our collective answers to these questions, especially as broad swaths of our population have been considered […]

Aging and Imago Dei

· 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 of how our society and our communities live out our collective answers to these questions, especially as broad swaths of our population have been considered […]

Healthcare is a Justice Issue

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 little cold and dark. April brought warm days and the beauty of the early flowers, along with our annual blanket of pollen. This May as […]

Healthcare is a Justice Issue

· 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 little cold and dark. April brought warm days and the beauty of the early flowers, along with our annual blanket of pollen. This May as […]

In the Trauma of War, We Pray for Ukraine

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

O God, who loves each of us, wherever we are in the worldWho calls each of us by nameWho knows our hearts and knits us in our mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13).God, who has a love for all that is global and personal,We lift up every person, town, and community facing the war in Ukraine. We […]

In the Trauma of War, We Pray for Ukraine

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

O God, who loves each of us, wherever we are in the worldWho calls each of us by nameWho knows our hearts and knits us in our mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13).God, who has a love for all that is global and personal,We lift up every person, town, and community facing the war in Ukraine. We […]

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

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 U.S. have long been held back by systemic racism. They have, and still do, face discrimination in accessing credit, loans, resources, and markets. In 2017, […]

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

· 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 U.S. have long been held back by systemic racism. They have, and still do, face discrimination in accessing credit, loans, resources, and markets. In 2017, […]

Show Your Heart Some Love this February

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 I had crossed paths with a number of times on my route. He mentioned that he and his wife were moving away and he would […]

Show Your Heart Some Love this February

· 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 I had crossed paths with a number of times on my route. He mentioned that he and his wife were moving away and he would […]

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

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 Steve Mange, Senior Policy & Strategy Counsel at North Carolina Department of Justice and Amy Bason, North Carolina Association of County Commissioners. Click here to […]

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

· 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 Steve Mange, Senior Policy & Strategy Counsel at North Carolina Department of Justice and Amy Bason, North Carolina Association of County Commissioners. Click here to […]

Together: Wholly Sacred and Beautifully Ordinary

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 the farm was met with either silence or a look that communicated “no” without him saying a word. He spent most of his life on […]

Together: Wholly Sacred and Beautifully Ordinary

· 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 the farm was met with either silence or a look that communicated “no” without him saying a word. He spent most of his life on […]

World AIDS day

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 died due to AIDS related illnesses. As people of faith, we believe that we are all made in God’s image and we stand with our […]

World AIDS day

· 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 died due to AIDS related illnesses. As people of faith, we believe that we are all made in God’s image and we stand with our […]

2020-2021 Overdose Deaths Heartbreaking Record

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 100,000 people. A number this large makes it easy to be desensitized to what it all means. To offer perspective as a North Carolinian, that […]

2020-2021 Overdose Deaths Heartbreaking Record

· 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 100,000 people. A number this large makes it easy to be desensitized to what it all means. To offer perspective as a North Carolinian, that […]

September – National Recovery Month

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 as “a process of change through which people improve their health and wellness, live self-directed lives, and strive to reach their full potential.” Just as […]

September – National Recovery Month

· 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 as “a process of change through which people improve their health and wellness, live self-directed lives, and strive to reach their full potential.” Just as […]

PHW Honors Collaborative Church with Award

By Michelle Peedin, Program Coordinator, Partners in Health and Wholeness

The past year and a half has been trying for all of us, some more than others. But a blessing that came out of this time of deep reflection was the idea for the Willona Stallings Award for Excellence in Community Innovation. During the pandemic, we were all working around the clock just to stay […]

PHW Honors Collaborative Church with Award

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

The past year and a half has been trying for all of us, some more than others. But a blessing that came out of this time of deep reflection was the idea for the Willona Stallings Award for Excellence in Community Innovation. During the pandemic, we were all working around the clock just to stay […]

Spotlight: Olive Branch Ministry

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 piedmont of North Carolina. The ministry which includes  a syringe exchange program, post overdose response team, homeless outreach and a holistic harm reduction center continues […]

Spotlight: Olive Branch Ministry

· 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 piedmont of North Carolina. The ministry which includes  a syringe exchange program, post overdose response team, homeless outreach and a holistic harm reduction center continues […]

Do This in Remembrance of Me

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 you when you heard that JFK had been assassinated? (My parents were shopping for a TV at Sears, as my father held my older sister […]

Do This in Remembrance of Me

· 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 you when you heard that JFK had been assassinated? (My parents were shopping for a TV at Sears, as my father held my older sister […]

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

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 a few of the systemic issues and health inequities that people of color face. It is important to consider these barriers as we work to […]

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

· 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 a few of the systemic issues and health inequities that people of color face. It is important to consider these barriers as we work to […]

Blessed are those who continue to mourn

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 Covid-19 in North Carolina. Today, that number stands at over 5,500.   As we enter into the season of Advent, waiting for the earth’s turning toward […]

Blessed are those who continue to mourn

· 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 Covid-19 in North Carolina. Today, that number stands at over 5,500.   As we enter into the season of Advent, waiting for the earth’s turning toward […]

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

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 beacon of hope in mental health conversations. It is a key component in addressing trauma, racial trauma, Adverse Childhood Experiences, family systems, and more. Resilience […]

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

· 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 beacon of hope in mental health conversations. It is a key component in addressing trauma, racial trauma, Adverse Childhood Experiences, family systems, and more. Resilience […]

October is National Substance Use Prevention Month

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 (your brain) and dramatically cracking the egg-brain into a sizzling hot frying pan as an ominous-sounding voice-over explains “this is your brain on drugs”.  These ads […]

October is National Substance Use Prevention Month

· 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 (your brain) and dramatically cracking the egg-brain into a sizzling hot frying pan as an ominous-sounding voice-over explains “this is your brain on drugs”.  These ads […]

The Spirituality of Loneliness in Life’s Second Chapter

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 unrecognized epidemic: loneliness.  According to the American Society on Aging’s most recent journal, loneliness can be particularly hard-hitting among those in the second chapter of […]

The Spirituality of Loneliness in Life’s Second Chapter

· 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 unrecognized epidemic: loneliness.  According to the American Society on Aging’s most recent journal, loneliness can be particularly hard-hitting among those in the second chapter of […]

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

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. As people of faith, it is our responsibility to better understand structural and systemic racism, and how it impacts our individual and communal mental health. […]

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

· 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. As people of faith, it is our responsibility to better understand structural and systemic racism, and how it impacts our individual and communal mental health. […]

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

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 safe. In that spirit, we would like to offer ideas of how to stay connected while we continue loving our neighbors by keeping our distance. We […]

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

· 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 safe. In that spirit, we would like to offer ideas of how to stay connected while we continue loving our neighbors by keeping our distance. We […]

High Country UCC

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 Rev. Tamara Franks, pastor at High Country UCC, shared with us some of the reflections on the challenges and opportunities that have arisen for their […]

High Country UCC

· 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 Rev. Tamara Franks, pastor at High Country UCC, shared with us some of the reflections on the challenges and opportunities that have arisen for their […]

COVID-19 Spotlights

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 our work and program possible. This page is dedicated to showcasing the health ministries of our PHW Collaborative member faith communities. During this unprecedented time, […]

COVID-19 Spotlights

· 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 our work and program possible. This page is dedicated to showcasing the health ministries of our PHW Collaborative member faith communities. During this unprecedented time, […]

Caring for Elderly Loved Ones During COVID-19

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 yesterday, my folks’ retirement facility has reported its first case of Covid, as cases in residential-care communities in North Carolina continue to climb. Further, at […]

Caring for Elderly Loved Ones During COVID-19

· 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 yesterday, my folks’ retirement facility has reported its first case of Covid, as cases in residential-care communities in North Carolina continue to climb. Further, at […]

World Hepatitis Day: Finding the Missing Millions

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 viral hepatitis. Worldwide, 325 million people are living with viral hepatitis.  What is viral hepatitis? In simple terms, it is an inflammation of the liver […]

World Hepatitis Day: Finding the Missing Millions

· 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 viral hepatitis. Worldwide, 325 million people are living with viral hepatitis.  What is viral hepatitis? In simple terms, it is an inflammation of the liver […]

Spotlight: Free COVID-19 Testing

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 to provide the necessary tools for healthy, whole, and abundant living. Through these spotlights, we will be sharing an overview of the programs and initiatives […]

Spotlight: Free COVID-19 Testing

· 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 to provide the necessary tools for healthy, whole, and abundant living. Through these spotlights, we will be sharing an overview of the programs and initiatives […]

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

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 for years to come. On top of that, we are in the midst of a global pandemic, a major recession, record joblessness, and our nation […]

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

· 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 for years to come. On top of that, we are in the midst of a global pandemic, a major recession, record joblessness, and our nation […]

Joint Letter from N.C. Faith Leaders to N.C. Elected Leaders

By North Carolina Council of Churches

The leaders of the denominational members of the North Carolina Council of Churches have sent a joint letter to senior elected leaders, Governor Cooper, Representative Moore, and Senator Berger, outlining a few of their primary concerns on behalf of the people of N.C. Items mentioned by the faith leaders include: Medicaid expansion, public school funding, […]

Joint Letter from N.C. Faith Leaders to N.C. Elected Leaders

· by North Carolina Council of Churches

The leaders of the denominational members of the North Carolina Council of Churches have sent a joint letter to senior elected leaders, Governor Cooper, Representative Moore, and Senator Berger, outlining a few of their primary concerns on behalf of the people of N.C. Items mentioned by the faith leaders include: Medicaid expansion, public school funding, […]

St. Stephen Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ

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 almost 7 years. Led by Bishop Rodney Parker, St. Stephen has been embodying the mission of our Collaborative program through a Healthy Eating educational program, […]

St. Stephen Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ

· 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 almost 7 years. Led by Bishop Rodney Parker, St. Stephen has been embodying the mission of our Collaborative program through a Healthy Eating educational program, […]

St. Paul Presbyterian Church

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 meals to community members twice a week, providing nonprofit day care, and hosting the Franklin County Reentry Program, to assist recently incarcerated individuals who are re-entering […]

St. Paul Presbyterian Church

· 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 meals to community members twice a week, providing nonprofit day care, and hosting the Franklin County Reentry Program, to assist recently incarcerated individuals who are re-entering […]

Oasis of Hope Ministries

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 years now. Some of the programs they offer include nutrition seminars, free exercise classes, a community health fair, and an annual mile challenge, just to name […]

Oasis of Hope Ministries

· 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 years now. Some of the programs they offer include nutrition seminars, free exercise classes, a community health fair, and an annual mile challenge, just to name […]

Haywood Street UMC

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 fresh meals to all, and hosting a respite center for illness recovery.  Pastor Brian Combs shared with us how they have refocused due to COVID-19: […]

Haywood Street UMC

· 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 fresh meals to all, and hosting a respite center for illness recovery.  Pastor Brian Combs shared with us how they have refocused due to COVID-19: […]

Sacred Spaces

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 I never know what kind of answers I will get from my group.  The kids responded with answers such as; somewhere special, cozy, calm, someplace full […]

Sacred Spaces

· 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 I never know what kind of answers I will get from my group.  The kids responded with answers such as; somewhere special, cozy, calm, someplace full […]

Blessed Are Those Who Mourn

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 and Wholeness, join with all those across our state in grieving not only this staggering, collective loss — but the loss of each, unique, individual […]

Blessed Are Those Who Mourn

· 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 and Wholeness, join with all those across our state in grieving not only this staggering, collective loss — but the loss of each, unique, individual […]

Cherishing the Elderly Among Us

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 Older Americans Month, a designation established in 1963 after a meeting between then President John F. Kennedy and the National Council of Senior Citizens, to […]

Cherishing the Elderly Among Us

· 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 Older Americans Month, a designation established in 1963 after a meeting between then President John F. Kennedy and the National Council of Senior Citizens, to […]

Statement on Staying Home

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 our municipal leaders across the state who are using stay at home orders to mitigate the effects of Covid-19 and protect all of us. One […]

Statement on Staying Home

· 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 our municipal leaders across the state who are using stay at home orders to mitigate the effects of Covid-19 and protect all of us. One […]

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

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 this crisis with so few choices, forced to live in fear of “what if.”  Our hearts yearn for the moment when we can finally embrace […]

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

· 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 this crisis with so few choices, forced to live in fear of “what if.”  Our hearts yearn for the moment when we can finally embrace […]

Virus Threat’s Harsh Light

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 under a president who apparently thinks he knows more than professional disease-fighters and whose first impulse was to worry about his own political skin rather […]

Virus Threat’s Harsh Light

· 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 under a president who apparently thinks he knows more than professional disease-fighters and whose first impulse was to worry about his own political skin rather […]

Cherish Your Heart

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 attack about that.” Whatever “that” was, the statement was highly ironic, given that we were all of nine years old and had no concept of […]

Cherish Your Heart

· 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 attack about that.” Whatever “that” was, the statement was highly ironic, given that we were all of nine years old and had no concept of […]

Reflections on the 2019 Eastern Faith and Health Summit

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 of community-dwellers and time-investors, diligent practicers of faith, compassionate listeners, and convicted leaders. It was beyond a summit, symposium, or anything that I could have […]

Reflections on the 2019 Eastern Faith and Health Summit

· 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 of community-dwellers and time-investors, diligent practicers of faith, compassionate listeners, and convicted leaders. It was beyond a summit, symposium, or anything that I could have […]

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

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 ago, we shared the NC 100-mile challenge as an opportunity for congregations to access funds that would support the faith and health ministries of their […]

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

· 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 ago, we shared the NC 100-mile challenge as an opportunity for congregations to access funds that would support the faith and health ministries of their […]

Spotlight: St. Stephen Church of Christ

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 to provide the necessary tools for healthy, whole, and abundant living. Through these spotlights, we will be sharing an overview of the programs and initiatives […]

Spotlight: St. Stephen Church of Christ

· 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 to provide the necessary tools for healthy, whole, and abundant living. Through these spotlights, we will be sharing an overview of the programs and initiatives […]

Spotlight: Woodleaf United Methodist Church

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 to provide the necessary tools for healthy, whole, and abundant living. Through these spotlights, we will be sharing an overview of the programs and initiatives […]

Spotlight: Woodleaf United Methodist Church

· 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 to provide the necessary tools for healthy, whole, and abundant living. Through these spotlights, we will be sharing an overview of the programs and initiatives […]

2020 Open Enrollment: What You Need to Know

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 you with health coverage for the entire upcoming year beginning on January 1, 2020. The enrollment period ends on December 15. If you do not […]

2020 Open Enrollment: What You Need to Know

· 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 you with health coverage for the entire upcoming year beginning on January 1, 2020. The enrollment period ends on December 15. If you do not […]

November is National Caregivers Month

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 remarkable number. Perhaps even more remarkable is the fact that the average family caregiver is a working mother of school-age children. Six out of 10 […]

November is National Caregivers Month

· 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 remarkable number. Perhaps even more remarkable is the fact that the average family caregiver is a working mother of school-age children. Six out of 10 […]

New Hope AME Zion Church

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 and youth together before school started for the Fall with one last group physical activity before students got set into the routine of their studies. […]

New Hope AME Zion Church

· 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 and youth together before school started for the Fall with one last group physical activity before students got set into the routine of their studies. […]

Spotlight: Seaside United Methodist Church

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 to provide the necessary tools for healthy, whole, and abundant living. Through these spotlights, we will be sharing an overview of the programs and initiatives […]

Spotlight: Seaside United Methodist Church

· 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 to provide the necessary tools for healthy, whole, and abundant living. Through these spotlights, we will be sharing an overview of the programs and initiatives […]

First Baptist Church of East Winston-Salem

By Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

February is designated as American Heart Month. During this time, everyone is encouraged to wear red to bring awareness to heart disease and stroke. First Baptist Church of East Winston-Salem took this challenge and ran with it! The bulletins included information about American Heart Month, encouraging folks to wear red in solidarity and even brought […]

First Baptist Church of East Winston-Salem

· by Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

February is designated as American Heart Month. During this time, everyone is encouraged to wear red to bring awareness to heart disease and stroke. First Baptist Church of East Winston-Salem took this challenge and ran with it! The bulletins included information about American Heart Month, encouraging folks to wear red in solidarity and even brought […]

Emmanuel AME Church

By Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

Emmanuel AME Church in Durham, NC is connecting mind, body, and spirit through the work of their health commission. Chairperson and health-lead Shirley L. Smith describes in more detail how they have incorporated practices of health wholeness into their ministry through a health fair they hosted in April: “Our commission on health is working diligently […]

Emmanuel AME Church

· by Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

Emmanuel AME Church in Durham, NC is connecting mind, body, and spirit through the work of their health commission. Chairperson and health-lead Shirley L. Smith describes in more detail how they have incorporated practices of health wholeness into their ministry through a health fair they hosted in April: “Our commission on health is working diligently […]

Experience NC in the NC 100-mile Challenge

By Nicole Johnson, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

What is the NC 100-mile challenge? It’s an initiative launched by North Carolina State Parks to encourage everyone to get outside and explore our trails and waterways. North Carolinians can walk, hike, run, bike, paddle, roll, ride or skate anywhere in the North Carolina outdoors to complete their 100 miles. To find out more visit […]

Experience NC in the NC 100-mile Challenge

· by Nicole Johnson, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

What is the NC 100-mile challenge? It’s an initiative launched by North Carolina State Parks to encourage everyone to get outside and explore our trails and waterways. North Carolinians can walk, hike, run, bike, paddle, roll, ride or skate anywhere in the North Carolina outdoors to complete their 100 miles. To find out more visit […]

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Raleigh Report – February 12, 2019

By George Reed, Former Executive Director

The 2019 Long Session of the General Assembly is now in full swing. As a result of last November’s elections, Republicans maintained majorities in both Senate and House but lost their super-majorities in both chambers.  This means that the Democratic minorities have the numbers to sustain vetoes Governor Roy Cooper might stamp on bills sent […]

Raleigh Report – February 12, 2019

· by George Reed, Former Executive Director

The 2019 Long Session of the General Assembly is now in full swing. As a result of last November’s elections, Republicans maintained majorities in both Senate and House but lost their super-majorities in both chambers.  This means that the Democratic minorities have the numbers to sustain vetoes Governor Roy Cooper might stamp on bills sent […]

Spotlight: Shalom Community Christian Church

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 to provide the necessary tools for healthy, whole, and abundant living. Through these spotlights, we will be sharing an overview of the programs and initiatives […]

Spotlight: Shalom Community Christian Church

· 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 to provide the necessary tools for healthy, whole, and abundant living. Through these spotlights, we will be sharing an overview of the programs and initiatives […]

Vetting the Vote: Medicaid Expansion

By Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

With every seat in the NC General Assembly being contested this year, the Nov 6, 2018 midterm will have effects lasting decades. Of the many issues at stake, recent polls indicate growing public support of Medicaid expansion. In NC, the long debated matter of Medicaid expansion sits among the top issues. As insurance premiums rise, […]

Vetting the Vote: Medicaid Expansion

· by Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

With every seat in the NC General Assembly being contested this year, the Nov 6, 2018 midterm will have effects lasting decades. Of the many issues at stake, recent polls indicate growing public support of Medicaid expansion. In NC, the long debated matter of Medicaid expansion sits among the top issues. As insurance premiums rise, […]

Less is Not More with New Health Insurance Changes

By Keegan Cheleden, Duke Divinity School Intern

The Trump Administration recently issued new rules regarding the length of short-term health insurance plans, temporary options available to individuals until they are able to enroll in the Affordable Care Act. Under the ACA, such plans were supposed to last three months. Now, they can last 364 days with a renewal option on the last […]

Less is Not More with New Health Insurance Changes

· by Keegan Cheleden, Duke Divinity School Intern

The Trump Administration recently issued new rules regarding the length of short-term health insurance plans, temporary options available to individuals until they are able to enroll in the Affordable Care Act. Under the ACA, such plans were supposed to last three months. Now, they can last 364 days with a renewal option on the last […]

Spotlight: St. Matthews Metropolitan AME Zion Church

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 to provide the necessary tools for healthy, whole, and abundant living. Through these spotlights, we will be sharing an overview of the programs and initiatives […]

Spotlight: St. Matthews Metropolitan AME Zion Church

· 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 to provide the necessary tools for healthy, whole, and abundant living. Through these spotlights, we will be sharing an overview of the programs and initiatives […]

Improving the State of North Carolina

By Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

“Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees”~Isaiah 10:1 The North Carolina General Assembly (NCGA) just finished its 2018 short session without passing legislation that would help the uninsured in dramatic ways. In 2013, the NCGA refused to accept the Medicaid expansion part of the Affordable Care Act to help uninsured […]

Improving the State of North Carolina

· by Sandy Irving, Volunteer Program Associate

“Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees”~Isaiah 10:1 The North Carolina General Assembly (NCGA) just finished its 2018 short session without passing legislation that would help the uninsured in dramatic ways. In 2013, the NCGA refused to accept the Medicaid expansion part of the Affordable Care Act to help uninsured […]

Spotlight: Real Life Ministries

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 to provide the necessary tools for healthy, whole, and abundant living. Through these spotlights, we will be sharing an overview of the programs and initiatives […]

Spotlight: Real Life Ministries

· 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 to provide the necessary tools for healthy, whole, and abundant living. Through these spotlights, we will be sharing an overview of the programs and initiatives […]

1 Church/10 People/100 Miles/$1000

By Nicole Johnson, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Have you noticed what happens when you step outside? Your breathing regulates, your mind clears, sometimes a solution to a thorny problem strikes in a eureka moment. The health benefits of being outdoors are documented and scientifically proven. Those benefits include lowering blood pressure, better mental clarity, improving overall health, and preventing the development of […]

1 Church/10 People/100 Miles/$1000

· by Nicole Johnson, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

Have you noticed what happens when you step outside? Your breathing regulates, your mind clears, sometimes a solution to a thorny problem strikes in a eureka moment. The health benefits of being outdoors are documented and scientifically proven. Those benefits include lowering blood pressure, better mental clarity, improving overall health, and preventing the development of […]

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Council Welcomes Elizabeth Brewington to Partners in Health and Wholeness

By Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

The NC Council of Churches was recently awarded an eighteen-month grant to promote compassionate solutions, based on health and human dignity, to the opioid crisis in North Carolina. This work will be conducted through the Partners in Health and Wholeness initiative of the Council, an established program partnering directly with congregations to improve the health […]

Council Welcomes Elizabeth Brewington to Partners in Health and Wholeness

· by Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

The NC Council of Churches was recently awarded an eighteen-month grant to promote compassionate solutions, based on health and human dignity, to the opioid crisis in North Carolina. This work will be conducted through the Partners in Health and Wholeness initiative of the Council, an established program partnering directly with congregations to improve the health […]

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Spotlight: Bryson City UMC

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 to provide the necessary tools for healthy, whole, and abundant living. Through these spotlights, we will be sharing an overview of the programs and initiatives […]

Spotlight: Bryson City UMC

· 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 to provide the necessary tools for healthy, whole, and abundant living. Through these spotlights, we will be sharing an overview of the programs and initiatives […]

May is Mental Health Month

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

May is Mental Health Month. This offers intentional opportunity to think proactively about mental health, its impact on our lives and communities, and create ways to destigmatize related issues. I find that Mental Health Month comes at a naturally good time in our seasonal calendar- with the start of spring, there is newness in our […]

May is Mental Health Month

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

May is Mental Health Month. This offers intentional opportunity to think proactively about mental health, its impact on our lives and communities, and create ways to destigmatize related issues. I find that Mental Health Month comes at a naturally good time in our seasonal calendar- with the start of spring, there is newness in our […]

Spotlight: Faith and Victory Christian Church

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 to provide the necessary tools for healthy, whole, and abundant living. Through these spotlights, we will be sharing an overview of the programs and initiatives […]

Spotlight: Faith and Victory Christian Church

· 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 to provide the necessary tools for healthy, whole, and abundant living. Through these spotlights, we will be sharing an overview of the programs and initiatives […]

The Perfect Gift for Mother’s Day

By Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

As Mother’s Day approaches, we honor, remember, and celebrate all of the strong women in our lives. Women have proven throughout history that they are the backbone of society. Eleanor Roosevelt served as head of the U.N. Human Rights Commission and played a key role in drafting the U.N. Declaration of Human Rights. Michelle Obama […]

The Perfect Gift for Mother’s Day

· by Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

As Mother’s Day approaches, we honor, remember, and celebrate all of the strong women in our lives. Women have proven throughout history that they are the backbone of society. Eleanor Roosevelt served as head of the U.N. Human Rights Commission and played a key role in drafting the U.N. Declaration of Human Rights. Michelle Obama […]

Partners in Health and Wholeness Mini-Grant Cycle Now Open

By Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

The Partners in Health and Wholeness (PHW) Summer Mini-Grant Cycle is now open. Mini-grants are a great way to support programs in your health ministry that engage church congregants and fulfill a health need in the church and surrounding community. Mini-grants are open to any worshipping community that has applied for or renewed membership to […]

Partners in Health and Wholeness Mini-Grant Cycle Now Open

· by Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

The Partners in Health and Wholeness (PHW) Summer Mini-Grant Cycle is now open. Mini-grants are a great way to support programs in your health ministry that engage church congregants and fulfill a health need in the church and surrounding community. Mini-grants are open to any worshipping community that has applied for or renewed membership to […]

Children and a Healthy Start to Life: Understanding Stress and Trauma’s Impact

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

As I work with various communities, a returning issue I hear about is the first 2000 days of a person’s life. I first learned about this number, 2000, at the Smart Start of New Hanover County’s 2000 Days Community Summit. It was here that parents, teachers, clergy, social workers, police officers, and physicians gathered to […]

Children and a Healthy Start to Life: Understanding Stress and Trauma’s Impact

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

As I work with various communities, a returning issue I hear about is the first 2000 days of a person’s life. I first learned about this number, 2000, at the Smart Start of New Hanover County’s 2000 Days Community Summit. It was here that parents, teachers, clergy, social workers, police officers, and physicians gathered to […]

Spotlight: Brown’s Chapel UMC

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 to provide the necessary tools for healthy, whole, and abundant living. Through these spotlights, we will be sharing an overview of the programs and initiatives […]

Spotlight: Brown’s Chapel UMC

· 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 to provide the necessary tools for healthy, whole, and abundant living. Through these spotlights, we will be sharing an overview of the programs and initiatives […]

PHW Expands and Welcomes New Staff

By Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

The staff of the NC Council of Churches is delighted to welcome Josie Walker and Karen Richardson-Dunn to the Partners in Health and Wholeness (PHW) team. Josie Walker is the PHW regional coordinator serving the northeastern counties. Josie is a native of Eastern North Carolina who returned to her roots after obtaining a degree in […]

PHW Expands and Welcomes New Staff

· by Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

The staff of the NC Council of Churches is delighted to welcome Josie Walker and Karen Richardson-Dunn to the Partners in Health and Wholeness (PHW) team. Josie Walker is the PHW regional coordinator serving the northeastern counties. Josie is a native of Eastern North Carolina who returned to her roots after obtaining a degree in […]

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Spotlight: St. John AME

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 to provide the necessary tools for healthy, whole, and abundant living. Through these spotlights, we will be sharing an overview of the programs and initiatives […]

Spotlight: St. John AME

· 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 to provide the necessary tools for healthy, whole, and abundant living. Through these spotlights, we will be sharing an overview of the programs and initiatives […]

Apply Today for a PHW Mini-Grant

By Katie Withers, NC State MSW Intern

There are less than two weeks remaining to apply for a Partners in Health and Wholeness (PHW) Mini-Grant. Congregations that are members of the PHW Collaborative are able to request up to $1,000 for a mini-grant. Eligible congregations must have been accepted into the PHW Collaborative or renewed their membership in the past 12 months. They […]

Apply Today for a PHW Mini-Grant

· by Katie Withers, NC State MSW Intern

There are less than two weeks remaining to apply for a Partners in Health and Wholeness (PHW) Mini-Grant. Congregations that are members of the PHW Collaborative are able to request up to $1,000 for a mini-grant. Eligible congregations must have been accepted into the PHW Collaborative or renewed their membership in the past 12 months. They […]

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The Severity of the Flu

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

This flu season is notably harsh and even deadly in some circumstances. According to North Carolina Health Officials, as of January 25, there have been 21 flu deaths in our state and 67 total for the nation. Even though we benefit from more advancements in medicine and technology than any other era, the flu still […]

The Severity of the Flu

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

This flu season is notably harsh and even deadly in some circumstances. According to North Carolina Health Officials, as of January 25, there have been 21 flu deaths in our state and 67 total for the nation. Even though we benefit from more advancements in medicine and technology than any other era, the flu still […]

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Spotlight: Bethel Christian Assembly

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 to provide the necessary tools for healthy, whole, abundant living. Through these spotlights, we will be sharing an overview of the programs and initiatives of […]

Spotlight: Bethel Christian Assembly

· 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 to provide the necessary tools for healthy, whole, abundant living. Through these spotlights, we will be sharing an overview of the programs and initiatives of […]

An Important Reminder – Less than 5 Days Remain to Get Insurance through the Affordable Care Act

By Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

If you do not have insurance through an employer or other group plan, the Affordable Care Act continues to provide an option. Though battered, up to and including, appeals to the US Supreme Court, the law remains in place and benefits millions of people across the country. As the window to enroll for 2018 coverage […]

An Important Reminder – Less than 5 Days Remain to Get Insurance through the Affordable Care Act

· by Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

If you do not have insurance through an employer or other group plan, the Affordable Care Act continues to provide an option. Though battered, up to and including, appeals to the US Supreme Court, the law remains in place and benefits millions of people across the country. As the window to enroll for 2018 coverage […]

Winding Down National Diabetes Month with Partners in Health and Wholeness

By Josie Walker, PHW Regional Coordinator

It isn’t too late to practice prevention. In North Carolina alone, an estimated 750,000 people have been diagnosed with diabetes. An additional 280,000 may have diabetes but are undiagnosed. Already one of the leading causes of disability and death in the United States; the truly alarming fact is that diabetes is the fastest growing disease […]

Winding Down National Diabetes Month with Partners in Health and Wholeness

· by Josie Walker, PHW Regional Coordinator

It isn’t too late to practice prevention. In North Carolina alone, an estimated 750,000 people have been diagnosed with diabetes. An additional 280,000 may have diabetes but are undiagnosed. Already one of the leading causes of disability and death in the United States; the truly alarming fact is that diabetes is the fastest growing disease […]

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Navigating the Health Insurance Marketplace

By Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

Open enrollment to sign up for or renew health insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) began November 1 and ends December 15, 2017. The ACA Marketplace allows individuals to find some of the best and most affordable healthcare plans available, but it can be a bit overwhelming to navigate. Before you enroll, consider researching […]

Navigating the Health Insurance Marketplace

· by Lindsay Barth, Event Coordinator & PHW Communications Associate

Open enrollment to sign up for or renew health insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) began November 1 and ends December 15, 2017. The ACA Marketplace allows individuals to find some of the best and most affordable healthcare plans available, but it can be a bit overwhelming to navigate. Before you enroll, consider researching […]

PHW Faith and Health Summit: Thank You

By Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

It has been a little over a week since our third PHW Faith and Health Summit, themed “Making Connections: We’re Worth It.” The day began with worship and a keynote address by The Reverend Richard Joyner. We were inspired and challenged to see the world through relationships, and to embrace the possibilities and calling of […]

PHW Faith and Health Summit: Thank You

· by Shannon Axtell Martin, PHW Regional Coordinator

It has been a little over a week since our third PHW Faith and Health Summit, themed “Making Connections: We’re Worth It.” The day began with worship and a keynote address by The Reverend Richard Joyner. We were inspired and challenged to see the world through relationships, and to embrace the possibilities and calling of […]

Don’t let Trump Repeal and Replace our Clean Power Plan

By Susannah Tuttle, Eco-Justice Connection Director

After failing to “repeal and replace” the Affordable Care Act, the Trump administration now has its sights set on our Clean Power Plan. For this one, they won’t have to go through Congress. EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt has announced his intention to “withdraw the so-called Clean Power Plan” — and replace it with a far […]

Don’t let Trump Repeal and Replace our Clean Power Plan

· by Susannah Tuttle, Eco-Justice Connection Director

After failing to “repeal and replace” the Affordable Care Act, the Trump administration now has its sights set on our Clean Power Plan. For this one, they won’t have to go through Congress. EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt has announced his intention to “withdraw the so-called Clean Power Plan” — and replace it with a far […]

Faith and Health Summit Spotlight: Mental Health Workshops

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

Partners in Health and Wholeness invites you to join us in Greensboro on Friday, October 20, for our Faith and Health Summit. There will be excellent workshops on many relevant topics to encourage your church’s health initiatives.  The workshop topics include aging, chronic disease, food security, permaculture, mental health, preaching, and much more. We have […]

Faith and Health Summit Spotlight: Mental Health Workshops

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

Partners in Health and Wholeness invites you to join us in Greensboro on Friday, October 20, for our Faith and Health Summit. There will be excellent workshops on many relevant topics to encourage your church’s health initiatives.  The workshop topics include aging, chronic disease, food security, permaculture, mental health, preaching, and much more. We have […]

Join Us for the PHW Faith and Health Summit

By Michelle Peedin, Program Coordinator, Partners in Health and Wholeness

On Thursday, October 19th Partners in Health and Wholeness will host our 2017 Faith and Health Summit. Thursday’s events include a community gardens and permaculture tour throughout the city of Greensboro. Unfortunately this tour is full, but don’t let that discourage you from driving to Greensboro on Thursday. At 6 p.m. that evening all conference […]

Join Us for the PHW Faith and Health Summit

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

On Thursday, October 19th Partners in Health and Wholeness will host our 2017 Faith and Health Summit. Thursday’s events include a community gardens and permaculture tour throughout the city of Greensboro. Unfortunately this tour is full, but don’t let that discourage you from driving to Greensboro on Thursday. At 6 p.m. that evening all conference […]

Suicide Awareness Prevention: Shalom Instead of Silence

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

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Our work at Partners in Health and Wholeness, and with the NC Council of Churches, begins with the hope to see all North Carolinians thrive in daily living. We understand thriving to mean that our neighbors and friends all live whole, full lives and have the support to live […]

Suicide Awareness Prevention: Shalom Instead of Silence

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

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Our work at Partners in Health and Wholeness, and with the NC Council of Churches, begins with the hope to see all North Carolinians thrive in daily living. We understand thriving to mean that our neighbors and friends all live whole, full lives and have the support to live […]

The Affordable Care Act Today

By Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) continues to be one of the most divisive laws passed in the United States in recent history. After several failed attempts by Congress this year to repeal it, there is yet another attempt brewing this week led by  Senator Mitch McConnell.  Meanwhile, the mandates of the ACA, while far from […]

The Affordable Care Act Today

· by Chris Pernell, Director, Partners in Health and Wholeness

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) continues to be one of the most divisive laws passed in the United States in recent history. After several failed attempts by Congress this year to repeal it, there is yet another attempt brewing this week led by  Senator Mitch McConnell.  Meanwhile, the mandates of the ACA, while far from […]