Links to Other Organizations

Denominational Resources

Catholic Health Association, USA
www.chausa.org

The CHAUSA is the body that resources Catholic health care efforts. This site has information about parish nursing, the Health Progress journal, supportive resources for the dying and physician resources.

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
www.elca.org

The ELCA does not have a page dedicated specifically to health ministry, but has information about other kinds of congregational ministry support.

United Church of Christ
www.ucc.org

The UCC has several pieces on their web page dealing with health, healing and the church. If you type in "health ministries" in the search box, several options dealing with caring ministry, UCC physicians network, the church and managed care, etc. will come up.

United Methodist Church
Congregational Health Ministries
www.netins.net/showcase/umsource

An excellent overview of congregational health ministry, including models, scripture references, activity suggestions and resources. This is not the official UMC website, but seems to be the only way to access the congregational health ministry materials. When you get to the site, go to UMC Boards and Agencies General Board of Global Ministry Mission Congregational Health Ministry.

Other Organizations

Alban Institute
www.alban.org

Excellent resources and educational programs for pastors and lay leaders. Important resource for the health and well-being of pastors and for constructive work with congregations.

Bay Area Health Ministries
www.bahm.org

Bay Area Health Ministries (BAHM) is a non-profit organization in San Francisco working with clergy, members of health ministry committees and local health institutions to develop and support health-related programs and activities in congregations and communities. Their site offers excellent ideas for health ministry programs.

Coalition for Healthier Cities and Communities
www.healthycommunities.org

The Coalition was designed to engage citizens and organizations nationwide in dialogues leading to action on what works for building healthier communities. Their page is full of information.

Interfaith Health Program
www.interaccess.com/ihpnet/

The Interfaith Health Program of Emory University in Atlanta has the general goal of mobilizing the potential energies of faith groups around a wide range of health activities. Their primary interest in health is in prevention, health promotion and social justice, as they support many kinds of direct service ministries to people of all faiths. Their site offers publications and speeches, research, curriculum, practice models and links to other sites.

International Parish Nurse Resource Center
http://ipnrc.parishnurses.org/

The mission of the International Parish Nurse Resource Center of Advocate Health Care is to promote the development of quality parish nurse programs through research, education, and consultation.

National Federation of Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers, Inc.
www.nfivc.org

The NFIVC promotes, in all congregations around the United States, the ministry of caregiving to people with disabilities, the chronically ill, the elderly and their families without reference to age, gender, race or religious affiliation. They provide support and training to start and operate Interfaith Volunteer Caregiver Programs. Through IVCPs, volunteer caregivers provide care to those in need.

Stephen Ministries
www.stephenministries.org

Stephen Ministries provides congregations with the structure, training and resources to set up and administer a complete system for a lay caregiving ministry in the congregation. Lay caregivers (called Stephen Ministers) provide on-on-one Christian care to the bereaved, hospitalized, terminally ill, separated, divorced, unemployed relocated and other facing a crisis or life challenge. Stephen Ministers help pastors enhance caring ministry by ensuring that quality follow-up care is available for as long as it's needed.