Dear Health Ministries Network Community,
Happy summer! Today, I hope that you are finding balance between reconnecting with family, friends and faith community as well as taking rest and staying safe. I hope that you're keeping cool during days of heat. And I know you're continuing to serve our faith communities, geographic communities and most vulnerable populations well. Thank you!
This is a time of careful cultivation.
On June 23rd, our HMN Board met for Strategic Planning and reflected on where we have been and where we are "growing." We honored our "roots" in parish nursing and affirmed the strong "trunk" of our organization. We discussed the "branches and leaves" of enrichment and service to faith and geographic communities.
Carefully cultivated growth is something to celebrate. We have grown in our flexibility, serving online and in person. We have grown in our organization, graduating 5 new FCNs/HM. We have grown in how we serve others, supporting vaccination clinics and applying for a grant to bring FCNs/HMs to eastern Whatcom County, and we continue to grow in our responsiveness to faith community needs across our four-county area and beyond.
This month, I invite you to share the ways in which your health ministry is growing--as well as how Health Ministries Network can help in your own careful cultivation!
On Friday, July 16th, 12-1:30pm, via Zoom, we'll hold our monthly meeting, but we'll extend our invitation to FCLs and Health Ministries. Supported by Whatcom County, Chuckanut Health Foundation and others, we'll take a look at the pandemic landscape today. And we will spend part of the meeting discussing and troubleshooting challenges you may be facing as communities come back together. Bring your victories, challenges and questions to share. Together, we grow stronger. All are welcome!
Wishing you continued peace, health, and compassion in service. Take good care today!
Yours in growth and gratitude,
Sarah Lane
Executive Director
Our HMN Board met for strategic planning in June, and oh, the places we'll go (thank you, Dr. Suess!) in the next few months and years! Left to right: Joni Hensley (President), Pam Colyer, Kevin Majkut (Treasurer), Dr. Emily Gibson, LeAna Osterman (Vice Chair), Dick Cathell (guest, former Director, & unofficial HMN historian), Kate Massey (Board Secretary), Dr. Mike Massanari (Medical Advisor) and Charles (Chaz) Nelson. Thank you to Dr. Emily Gibson for hosting us in this beautiful outdoor space!
You are invited! Faith Community Leaders
& Health Ministries
July Monthly Meeting - Friday 7/16, 12-1:30pm
Back in April (has it been that long?) Faith Community Leaders and Health Ministries came together to share victories and challenges and ask: where are we going next? We had the Health Department and others at our meeting to help you work through some of the concerns we have about reopening. When we left, we had a big question on our minds: What happens when we bring those who are vaccinated and those who are not yet vaccinated together in the same space?
We'd like to come together again in community on July 16th, 12-1:30pm. We'd like to share experiences, challenges and questions that remain or have arisen around reopening. We will have guests from WCHD and other organizations available to help us answer remaining questions.
We'd love to connect with you, wherever you are!
Join Zoom Meeting
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Meeting ID: 870 3130 1954
Passcode: 780083
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For questions contact director@healthministriesnetwork.net
Congratulations and Welcome to the 2021 HMN Faith Community Nursing and Health Ministries Course Graduates
We are so pleased to announce the names of our Foundations Course graduates. Congratulations to Kim, Karen, Valerie, Sunny and Sarah! The graduation video is available below!
Kim Clark, RN (North Park University), MSN (Walden University) is recently retired who took this course to help her home church, Northwest Hills Community Church in Corvallis OR with their health ministry. Kim served as nursing faculty at Linn Benton Community College doing teaching, group facilitation and simulation training.
Karen Broostrom, RN ( Texas Women's University) and Master's in Nursing Education (University.of Washington) completed the Health Minister's curriculum in 2020. She recently retired after 25 years as an ER nurse Karen felt God’s call to serve as a Faith Community Nurse at South Hills Christian Church in Puyallup WA.
Valerie Wicks, RN (Excelsior College, Albany NY) with an Associate Degree in Nursing. She is a certified Hospice Nurse and worked in that specialty area of nursing practice for 20 years. Valerie plans to serve Quinault Baptist Church in Kennewick WA as a Faith Community Nurse.
Sarah Lane, MPA (University of Oklahoma) and MA (National University) is the Executive Director of Health Ministries Network. Sarah is a personal trainer/health coach and Education Specialist for Diabetes Prevention and Parkinson's interventions. She will serve as a Health Minister in Bellingham WA.
Sunny Garza RN (Skagit Valley Community College) and BSN (Western Wash. University) Sunny’s areas of nursing specialty include, rehabilitation, infusion, home health and medical inpatient. She is affiliated with Jake's House Church in Arlington WA, and plans to serve as a Faith Community Nurse for diverse and underserved populations.
Thank you to the people who provided their time and talent that enriched the learning experience
Bill Lonneman, DPN, RN Lead Instructor for content delivery and managing on-line instruction
Carol Nicolay, EdD Course Coordinator for managing the course logistics
Sarah Lane, HMN Executive Director for leadership and direction
And to Faith Community Nurses, Health Ministers, and HMN Board Members:
Dennis Taylor, Kathryn Selleriet, and Mary Lynn Palmer for discussing their faith community ministries
Elizabeth Hart, DVSAS Guest Instructor on the topic: Violence
Emily Gibson, MD Guest Instructor on the topic: Behavioral Health
Melanie Cool, LMHC Guest Instructor on the topic, Loss Suffering and Grief
Kate Massey, Chaz Nelsonand Pam Colyer, for dedication service participation
Joni Hensley, HMN Board President for leadership at the dedication service
A very special "thank you" to Christ the Servant Lutheran Church's dedicated Prayer Shawl Ministry! Our FCNs and HMs will carry these and the prayers that went into them throughout their ministries. HMN was able to share a beautiful, bright and warm prayer shawl with each of our graduates from both the classes of 2020 and 2021 this year.. Thank you!
June 2021: The New Advance Directive & POLST Documents
Thank you to all who attended our monthly meeting! We had an information-rich hour of training on the new Advance Directive and POLST documents by Hilary Walker of PeaceHealth and Kate Massey from Northwest Regional Council. If you missed the meeting, you can get all the good information by watching the recorded video here.
Please find a one-page educational flyer to use if helpful in the community. It includes the PeaceHealth website and the various ways people can get their documents on file as part of their medical record. Link to flyer.
Resources:
Points of Contact for Support:
Hilary Walker, hwalker@peacehealth.org
Kate Massey, kate.massey@dshs.wa.gov (particuarly for clients who are not patients at PeaceHealth)
For questions contact director@healthministriesnetwork.netVideoThank you to all who attended our monthly meeting! We had an information-rich hour of training on the new Advance Directive and POLST documents by Hilary Walker of PeaceHealth and Kate Massey from Northwest Regional Council. If you missed the meeting, you can get all the good information by watching the recorded video here.
Please find a one-page educational flyer to use if helpful in the community. It includes the PeaceHealth website and the various ways people can get their documents on file as part of their medical record. Link to flyer.
Resources:
Points of Contact for Support:
Hilary Walker, hwalker@peacehealth.org
Kate Massey, kate.massey@dshs.wa.gov (particuarly for clients who are not patients at PeaceHealth)
For questions contact director@healthministriesnetwork.net
Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas Presents:
“A Virtual-Live Summer Workshop”
From: The BHSET Faith Community Nurse Resource Center
Date: August 3, 2021
Time: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Cost: $20
This summer workshop includes a morning session and afternoon session and includes 6.5 Contact Hours for Nurses after Successful Completion.
Morning Session
8:00 am – 12:30 pm
Dr. Cynthia Stinson, PhD, APRN, CNS, RN-BC, Chair, Joanne Gay Dishman School of Nursing
Topic: Jurisprudence: 2.0 Hours, Geriatrics 2.0 Hours
Afternoon Session
1:00 pm-4:00 pm
Dr. Sharon T. Hinton MSN, RN-BC, NPD-BC, D. Min, BCC, Executive Director for the Institute for Faith Community Nursing
Topic: Dealing with the Aftermath of COVID: Personally & Professionally: 2.5 Hours
Upcoming Foundations Course: The Faith Community Health Network of the Mid-Willamette Valley
The Faith Community Health Network of the Mid-Willamette Valley provides training and support for faith community nurses and health ministers to serve their congregations and community by promoting advocacy, improving health literacy, health equity and overall access to care, and promoting spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being.
Is a Faith Community Health Ministry in Your Future?
A Faith Community Nurse is not simply a registered nurse who happens to be a member of a faith community. Faith Community Nursing is a recognized nursing specialty. The Foundations of Faith Community Nursing Course prepares nurses to stand in the gap; to bridge the health care system and faith community. Faith Community Nurses and Health Ministers work together to open the door for important conversations about health and wellness of the mind, body and spirit and provide additional caring connection and support for faith community members facing the many challenges of today.
Linn-Benton Extended Learning will be partnering with the Faith Community Health Network to offer the Foundations of Faith Community Nursing for active and retired nurses and a parallel Foundations for Health Ministry course for lay members of faith communities. The course will be held via Zoom from 8:00am-5:00pm on October 18-19, November 1-2, and November 15 and from 8:00am until 2:00pm on November 16, 2021, providing nearly 40 hours of supported instruction. The Foundations Course is open to all religions, faiths and beliefs. Course cost will be determined based on grant funding available at the time.
Reserve your spot in this valuable course today: Deb Fell-Carlson, BSN, RN, MSPH Foundations Course Coordinator and Lead Educator Email: faithcommunityhealthnetwork@gmail.com or text 541-248-0595
Video Available: CHF Trauma Stewardship Institute Workshop
In case you missed this valuable workshop (or if you attended and wish a replay) in which Laura van Dernoot Lipsky covered the impacts that overwhelm and trauma have on us and the strategies we can use to build sustainable well being, we can make the video available to you upon request until July 30th. You may also request resources to support Trauma Stewardship. Please email director@healthministriesnetwork.net to request the link.
If you did attend, CHF would love to hear your feedback about the workshop and how they can continue to support you in the future – you can share your thoughts with us via this brief survey: CHF - TSI Workshop Follow-Up Survey.
Win a Truck Whatcom!
In collaboration with the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Whatcom County Health Department, the Chuckanut Health Foundation is hosting a drawing for a new truck, with the goal of encouraging Whatcom County residents to get their COVID-19 vaccinations before the end of July. Registration is open to Whatcom County residents 18 and over, regardless of citizenship, who initiate vaccination between June 1 – July 31, and the winner will be awarded a credit of up to $60,000 to purchase a vehicle of their choice from participating auto dealers.
Dr. Chao-ying Wu, a Family Care Network physician and Chuckanut Health Foundation board member, initiated this community-driven project to help drive up our community’s vaccination rates and steer Whatcom County closer towards the end of the pandemic. “When our community comes together in support of each other, great things can happen,” said Dr. Wu. “I hope this contest will be one more good reason to go ahead and get this job done. It’s been a long and hard trip, and we are so close to wrapping this up. A really high vaccination rate means that our community can come out of the pandemic strong and ready to thrive again.”
Learn more at winatruckwhatcom.com!
We also want to share our gratitude for all of our neighbors who have already received their vaccinations - thank you for doing your part to keep our community safe and healthy!
Updated COVID-19 and Vaccination Resources for Faith Communities in Washington and Oregon
June 30th brought change around COVID-19 guidance. With vaccination and subsequent reopening, we have new rules, information and support. Please see updated links below for both Washington and Oregon, and feel free to send questions to director@healthministriesnetwork.net.
But please don't forget that the pandemic is not over. According to Health and Human Services (HHS): "US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy warned about the Delta coronavirus variant, saying it is doubling nearly every two weeks. But, 'the good news is that the vaccines that we have appear to be effective against Delta variant. ... My worry is for those who are not vaccinated because this virus tends to spread even more quickly than other variants in the unvaccinated. That’s what we’re seeing in Missouri and Nevada and unless we quickly get more people vaccinated, we will see this in other states, as well.'"
HHS offers COVID-19 Relief Updates as follows:
Individuals not fully vaccinated and aged 2 or older, should wear a mask in indoor public places. In areas with high numbers of COVID-19 cases, one should consider wearing a mask in crowded outdoor settings and for activities with close contact with others who are not fully vaccinated. More here.
CDC updated information on travel recommendations by country during the pandemic. The page provides up-to-date COVID-19 travel guidance by location.
Among surveyed state, tribal, local, and territorial public health workers, 53.0% reported symptoms of at least one mental health condition in the past two (2) weeks. Read more for recommended prevention and support strategies.
When you have been fully vaccinated . . . .
CDC Interim Guidelines for Fully Vaccinated People
Washington
Updated guidance from Gov. Inslee:
Whatcom County Community COVID-19 Forum. In case you missed it, click here to watch a recent Community COVID-19 Forum focused on what reopening will look like in Whatcom County.
Whatcom County continues to move forward with growing vaccination numbers. 52.2% of all Whatcom County residents are now fully vaccinated, and 68.5% of everyone in the county 16 and older has received at least one shot as of June 21st. Let's keep up the excellent progress Whatcom County!
Whatcom County We've Got a Shot campaign microsite: http://vaccinatewhatcom.org
Whatcom County Vaccine Discussion Guide:
Current Guidance for Faith Communities as of June 3rd https://www.governor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/COVID19%20Religious%20and%20Faith%20Based%20Organization%20Guidance.pdf If you have trouble navigating this document or need clarification for your specific situation, please contact Darin Klein at the WUC, DKlein@co.whatcom.wa.us and he will work with you.
Outdoor and Open Air Seating Guidance
Weddings and Funerals Guidance
FEMA amended the funeral assistance policy to assist with COVID-19-related fatalities that occurred in the early months of the pandemic (Jan. 20, 2020 to May 16, 2020).
Resources for Whatcom County Businesses and Churches
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Ep52c_2bsYH5VjSgnPtwdK_c1kGSqQdnc82P0CnxgB0/edit?usp=sharing
Signage and Support for Faith Communities by Whatcom Together
https://whatcomtogether.org/about/ And feel free to contact Elizabeth Boyle of the Safer Stronger Together Campaign to Everyone : For signage, sign up for our newsletter, or to ask questions...we'd love to hear from you! www.whatcomtogether.org
Vaccinations
https://www.whatcomcounty.us/3530/COVID-19-Vaccine-Information or WA Dept. of Health Vaccine Locator, https://vaccinelocator.doh.wa.gov/
Understanding How COVID-19 Vaccines Work | CDC How mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines Work (cdc.gov) How Viral Vector COVID-19 Vaccines Work (cdc.gov)
COVID-19 & Your Church(This has reopening plans from a number of churches!)
And here are some vaccine communication resources to respond to questions about vaccination, to include videos and information sheets in multiple languages:
North Sound ACH Vaccination Toolkit (Excellent videos and information sheets in multiple languages)
Oregon - Facts for Faith Communities
Guidance for Fully Vaccinated Individuals
FAQ for Fully Vaccinated Individuals
Updated: Face Coverings Guidance
Is asking about whether asking for proof of vaccination is a violation of HIPAA? On Wednesday, May 26, experts from OHA and Oregon OSHA answered questions about the guidance on Facebook Live. The answer is that this does not violate HIPAA requirements. This video clip answers the question in more detail. You can watch the full-length video here.
Do you have other resources? Please send them to Sarah Lane at director@healthministriesnetwork.net
Community Events & Info
In an effort to connect our volunteers with relevant resources, we publish community events and information in our monthly newsletter and on our website. Email director@healthministriesnetwork.net to add your own.
Click on banner to access UV Protection Awareness Materials from the CDC.
From Sanctuary Mental Health:
July is BIPOC Mental Health Month!
Black, Indigenous, and other peoples of color different challenges regarding mental health related to racism, racial trauma, unequal access to resources, and other issues. This month, we're highlighting resources on race, mental health, and faith to raise awareness. We encourage you to explore the links below and choose one or two to engage with this month.
HEALING IN COLOUR
Our art exhibition on stories of race, faith, and mental health is now available as a digital magazine. View the artwork and read about artists from around the world who participated in this project on our website.
RECOVERING HOPE
Sanctuary partnered with author, speaker, and activist Tiffany Bluhm to produce a devotional addressing the intersection of race, mental health, and faith. Readers from every background will be encouraged to share stories, reflect on identity, and look for opportunities to cultivate hope and reconciliation in their communities. Read the devotional.
FORGIVENESS AS A JOURNEY
Our latest blog post is a reflection from Frances Carlick, a Canadian residential school survivor. She shares her experiences of trauma, journey of recovery, and hope for reconciliation. Read the blog here.
RACE, MENTAL HEALTH, AND FAITH RESOURCES
Sanctuary is committed to spending more time researching, listening, learning, developing, and sharing about the intersection of race, mental health, and faith in the coming years. Explore these lists of resources to learn more:
FREE VIRTUAL LECTURE BY JOHN SWINTON
"The Hidden Side Effects of COVID-19: Racial Inequality, Toxic Politics, Loneliness and the Need for a Spirituality of Lamentation" is a free online lecture by Sanctuary Ambassador Rev. Dr. John Swinton, hosted by Vancouver School of Theology. The lecture will take place on July 13 at 7:00pm PT. To receive the Zoom link, RSVP here.
Complete the census here: https://form.jotform.com/210486969811062
Ready for the Future of Nursing in Washington State
According to Sofia Aragon, JD, BSN, RN, Executive Director, Washington Center for Nursing the Washington Center for Nursing, "Our health happens outside of a hospital. As a highly trusted segment of the health workforce, nurses play a The COVID-19 pandemic did not create health inequities, but it made clear that much of what affects “ pivotal role in ensuring that we all have what we need to stay healthy and well. But for our country to achieve health equity for all, the systems that educate, pay, employ, and enable nurses need to permanently remove practice barriers, value their contributions, prepare them to understand and tackle the social factors that affect health, and diversify the workforce." -The Future of Nursing 2020-2030
When we find out a friend or loved one is in the hospital, the impulse to help is strong but it can be hard to know what to do. What will be the most helpful? A thoughtful card? Or maybe something to help them pass the time? CaringBridge has gathered some ideas.
HEAD (Health Education About Dementia) Talks Dementia Support Northwest
HEAD Talks are quarterly seminars beneficial to anyone interested in dementia or caring for someone experiencing dementia. By offering practical and timely discussions about real issues, HEAD Talks aim to educate and support those in our local community affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias. These talks are free and open to the public.
Move 4 A Cause Dementia Support Northwest
Motivation can be hard to find these days, so every Friday from 4-4:30pm, Dementia Support Northwest will be moving and grooving to a different decade, beginning with the 1950s!
Register for this free event. $10 suggested donation to benefit Dementia Support Northwest.
Monthly CHW Meeting
Friday July 30th, 9-11AM - Zoom Video Conference Call
Whatcom Community Health Worker Network
Join other community health workers for networking and resources. Email WhatcomCHWNetwork@gmail.com for the meeting link.
COVID-19 Support for Caregivers
Weekly - Zoom Video Conference Call
WWU Palliative Care Institute
The Palliative Care Institute has initiated a weekly on-line support group for staff at nursing homes, assisted living facilities, providing in-home care, and/or hospice care, creating a virtual space for them to come together to talk about the impact of the pandemic on their work and their clients and residents -- a kind of ‘COVID coffee break room,’ a place to sit down to talk for a few minutes with others who are also struggling to reconfigure all aspects of care. By gathering their thoughts, PCI hopes be a vehicle for sharing these stories more widely with those outside their worlds. Anyone who would like to join this support group can email pci@wwu.edu to request the Zoom link.
On-Demand and Live Online Advance Care Planning Classes
PeaceHealth is offering "Your Voice Your Choice" classes online to help people complete their advance directives and durable power of attorney documents. Sharing your wishes for the care you want if you are critically ill can bring you closer to the people you love. Making your wishes known clearly in advance of a crisis is one of the biggest gifts you can give yourself, your family and friends.
Classes are offered the first Wednesday of every month 1:00-3:00 PM. The class is also on-demand and can be watched online anytime. Learn more at: www.peacehealth.org/advance-care-planning.
Creative Offering
“Dance, when you're broken open. Dance, if you've torn the bandage off. Dance in the middle of the fighting. Dance in your blood. Dance when you're perfectly free.” ― Rumi
Support HMN
Help us support the invaluable work of faith community nurses and health ministers in northwest Washington by donating today!
Did you know that you can support Health Ministries Network as you shop? Whether you are a regular Amazon shopper or you are a pandemic Amazon shopper, you can support HMN by shopping through Amazon Smile and selecting HMN as the recipient of your donation. It's easy!
On your first visit to AmazonSmile, you're prompted to select a charitable organization from our list of eligible organizations. You can change your selection at any time.
To change your charitable organization:
Sign in to smile.amazon.com on your desktop or mobile phone browser.
From your desktop, go to Your Account and select the option to Change your Charity. Or, from your mobile browser, select Change your Charity from the options at the bottom of the page.
Select a new charitable organization to support.Note: You can also hover over the Supporting notice in the navigation at the top of any page, and then select the Change link next to the name of the charity you’re currently supporting.
For more information about the AmazonSmile program, go to http://smile.amazon.com/about.
And thank you to our fiscal sponsor,
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