With the increasing reach of COVID-19 (coronavirus disease), faith community nurses, health ministers, and faith community leaders alike have an important role in reducing the spread of this disease.
From Washington State Coronavirus Response
Below you will find a compilation of resources and information concerning COVID-19 including FAQ for religious and faith-based organizations, considerations for communities of faith, for you and your family, about what is open and closed, how to clean and disinfect, how to make virtual visits easy, Virtual Advance Care Planning, community information, communications media, and information from HMN board chair, Joni Hensley, who is working first-hand with the state's response to this pandemic.
FAQ for Religious & Faith-based Organizations
From King County Department of Health
Public Health recognizes that places of worship are more than a place to pray; they provide community and healing, especially for injustices past and present, particularly against Black, Indigenous, and people of color. This is even more important as marginalized communities are those hit hardest by COVID-19.
Considerations for Communities of Faith
From Center for Disease Control
CDC offers the following general considerations to help communities of faith discern how best to practice their beliefs while keeping their staff and congregations safe.
For you and your family
From Washington State Coronavirus Response
Numerous resources, explanations, and FAQ's on topics including face masks, financial, grocery shopping, insurance, mental health and well-being, resources for immigrants, scams and rumors, and more.
What's Open and Closed?
From Washington State Coronavirus Response
An up-to-date list of social distancing restrictions and recommendations.
How to Clean and Disinfect
From the CDC
Cleaning protocol and chemical recommendations for your home, facility, and vehicle.
Making Virtual Health Visits Easy
PeaceHealth, SeaMar, and Unity Care NW share information about the various virtual platforms for telehealth visits in Whatcom County.
For additional Telehealth tips and online resources visit or contact
Virtual Advance Care Planning: Best Practice for Crisis and Beyond.
From Respecting Choices
Learn about what is different when preparing for, having, and following up after a “virtual” ACP conversation. A one hour discussion among experienced program leaders.
Community Information
Case data and news updates specific to Whatcom County can be found on the Whatcom County Health Department website. You can email covid@co.whatcom.wa.us with questions or *call the Washington State Health Department as indicated below.
*The Washington State Department of Health has established a call center to address questions from the public. If you have questions about what is happening in Washington, how the virus is spread, and what to do if you have symptoms, please call 1-800-525-0127 and press #
Local Food and Meal Resources
The Whatcom Asset Building Coalition (WABC) provides weekly updates on food resources in the county.
Mental Health and Wellness Resources
Local and national resources for those needing support managing COVID-19 related stress.
Partner Toolkit
From Washington State Coronavirus Response
Writing and talking recommendations for communicators in any position wishing to #spreadthefacts about COVID-19. Includes an excellent Infographic page full of images ideal for faith community newsletters.
From HMN Board Chair, Joni Hensley
Links to information requested during our March meeting from board chair, Joni Hensley, who is working first-hand with the state's response to this pandemic.
Whatcom County Flu Report or contact whancock@co.whatcom.wa.us to be put on distribution list.
HealthCare Authority: public relations
The Insurance Commission FAQ regarding medication refills during the coronavirus outbreak. There is also a complaint and appeals tab in the ribbon on this link.
Prepare a bleach solution by mixing:
5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water or
4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water
Now is the time for which our faith has prepared us. Now is the moment when all that we believe can be put to work. Now we can turn to the inner resources we have been developing over these many years to face the challenge of a world in desperate need. We are not afraid of this crisis for we have been made ready for it. We have devoted our lives to the belief that something greater than fear or disease guides human history. We have studied, prayed and grown in the Spirit. Now we come to the call to use what we believe in. Our people need hope, confidence, courage and compassion: the very things for which we have been trained We are the calm in the midst of a storm. Stand your ground and let you light so shine that others may see it and find their faith as well.
Learn more about COVID-19
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