1. Role of Faith-Based Communities in Improving Health Kansas Public Health Association, Inc. 2006 Fall Conference

2. Introduction United Methodist Health Ministry Fund, Hutchinson Healthy Congregations in Action—current major effort with 27 projects/30 congregations Other congregational efforts

3. Background/Need Social Support –for change Why congregations? 1. captured audience 2. built-in support structure 3. more control of culture/environment 4. existing communications channels 5. all generations 6. ability to offer depth and breadth 7. faith as motivator/discipline

4. Congregational Interventions Parish nurses—congregational ministers of health and wellness Children and youth programming Senior programming Physical activities Facilities Community outreach

5. Goals/Objectives for Healthy Congregations in Action To build the capacity of congregations to undertake health ministries To create a vision of health in the church which is holistic (physical, mental, social and spiritual) To develop programs meeting locally- determined health needs To change the culture of the congregation into a health building one

6. Who Is Involved? Thirty Kansas United Methodist Churches Judy Johnston and others at KU School of Medicine, Wichita Area Committee of United Methodist Church—Healthy Lifestyles Staff of Health Ministry Fund Community partners

7. The Intervention Application process/grant awards Communications resources Congregational outcomes-based planning Regional trainings Technical assistance Self-care workshops Integration into Healthy Congregations programming

11. Progress or Results 27 of 30 projects active (3 drop-outs) Results just being analyzed from first six months Anecdotes National interest

12. Expected Impact Improved individual health assessments Continuing physical activity programs Improved health policies for congregations Adoption of small change health behaviors Efficacy for congregations

13. Application Faith communities: Have interest in health Have resources Offer social support naturally Can reach people of all ages Need help with vision, organization and content