Dear Health Ministries Network Community,
As our summer activities ramp up, spending time with friends and family become a priority and enjoying our beautiful environment is a constant draw for our attention. Not only does it improve our physical well-being to be outdoors it is also beneficial for our mental health. Please see the CDC information that highlights July as National Minority Mental Health Awareness month.
It is also a busy time for your Health Ministries Board as we continue to seek a new Executive Director and juggle current activities and new requests for services. We are hopeful to be able to introduce a new leader to our group soon! Thanks to Sarah Lane's great efforts over the past year we are being invited to serve at the Lighthouse Mission and other opportunities are coming forward that recognize the importance of spiritual well-being and the services that we can provide. And we plan to partner with the State Department of Health to be able to distribute Narcan to individuals in need.
Still interested in helping this summer? We participated in the Everson Emergency Preparedness Day taking BP's, sharing health information and networking with wonderful Everson residents who serve the Hispanic community. The Bellingham Schools Back-to-School Block Party will be happening on August 19, 10-2 PM and we welcome you to participate! It was great fun last year and we could still use a few volunteers. Tabling with us, whether taking BPs or having a conversation with someone, is a great opportunity to meet people where they are at. For more information, email director@healthministriesnetwork.net.
Please remember to share the 2023 Fall HMN Foundations in Health Ministry (for prospective Faith Community Nurses (FCNs) and Health Ministers(HMs) and Community Health Advocates (CHAs)! Please share, ask questions and sign up through the links below or at our website!
We will not have a HMN July meeting this month. Many of our folks are on vacation and we are planning to have educational opportunities such as Narcan administration for our August or September get-together. Please plan to join us! And we are always looking for ideas from you as to what you feel will enhance and support your practice!
As always, our North Sound Accountable Communities of Health (NSACH) is offering multiple learning opportunities including a session on Community Health Workers. Please see these listings from NSACH in our Creative Offering this month.
HMN wishes you a wonderful season of summer. Please take time to nurture your mental health by spending time in our magnificent northwest environment.
With gratitude,
The HMN Board of Directors:
Dick Cathell, Interim Board Chair
Joni Hensley, Interim Executive Director
Kate Massey
Charles (Chaz) Nelson, Secretary
Melanie Cool
Sunny Garza
Rebecca Cavanaugh, Interim Treasurer
Bill Lonneman
Anita Busby
HMN June Meeting Recap: Update from the Whatcom County Resource Information Collaborative (WRIC)
If you didn't get the chance to attend the meeting and want to take a look at the new Whatcom County Resource Database, check it out at: https://whatcomresources.org. The June meeting video replay will be posted in August. Thanks for your patience!
Everson Emergency Preparedness Day
Thank you to our dedicated FCN Carol Blattner for organizing this event! And especially for including us as a "vendor". We distributed frisbees and stress balls and some great contacts in this community and will be working with local leaders to support the Hispanic (their preferred term) community and a possible presence at the food bank in Everson! Stay tuned.
Need to Renew and Refresh your BLS/CPR Certification? HMN can help!
Health Ministries Network knows that we can never be too prepared. Do you need to renew and refresh your Basic Lifesaving or CPR skills?
Healthcare Certifications is now enrolling locally, and HMN will reimburse you (just save and submit your receipt!) for your recertifications so that you are the best FCN/HM that you can be! Please see the schedule at: https://healthcarecerts.enrollware.com/schedule. The next class is Friday, July 21 from 9:30-12:30. Cost is $90.00. Healthcare Certifications is located at 4120 Meridian St. Suite 270, Bellingham.
Please email director@healthministriesnetwork.net if you have questions about reimbursement.
FCLs: Does Your Faith Community Need Mental Health First Aid Training?
We have heard from a number of you, regarding the need for Mental Health First Aid to Faith Community Leaders and FCNs/HMs/CHAs for your faith community, health ministry or yourself. If you have not responded yet, please do! We simply do not have enough mental health resources available across communities. However, we have each other--loving and able to learn and practice the skills of caring for each other in a mental health crisis.
Please send a quick email to director@healthministriesnetwork.net, and if there is good interest in this, HMN can pursue this in upcoming months. If we request this training, we will have room for up to 30 participants, and these individuals must complete a simple registration with us.
If you believe that your community of 20-30 individuals could use this training, you can also inquire specifically for your community. In this case, contact AHECWW@whatcom.edu
Learning Opportunities from NSACH
The Collaborative Action Network Learning Session in July will cover Community Health Workers (CHWs), who they are and why they are essential to improving our communities. These sessions are virtual, and will be recorded and posted on our YouTube page, and added to the Resource Library. Please register ahead of time by clicking here. Especially if you would like to have American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation or interpretation for a language other than English, please register and email us at Team@NorthSoundACH.org.
Community Health Workers workforce | July 19, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The Youth Global Health and Innovation Conference will be held virtually on July 8, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. This conference aims to gather high school and undergraduate students from around the world to initiate conversations about topics that significantly impact global health. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with global health professionals through a series of keynote speakers and activities.
The conference is a collaboration between the departments of Global Health, Bioengineering, and the School of Medicine and is open to everyone! There will also be a "pathway to medicine" track where they will guide pre-med students toward careers in health care. To register, click here.
Register now for the 9th Annual Edge of Amazing Health and Well-being conference, on October 18, at the Delta Hotels by Marriott in Everett.
What’s New in 2023?
Theme: Reconnection – integrating heart and soul practices that heal, sustain, and improve well-being for ourselves and our community.
An in-person format with a half-day general session and an afternoon full of opportunities for networking and interactive experiences.
A LiveWellLocal™ Community Resource Share Area featuring a broad array of local health and well-being resources.
More opportunities to participate in interactive practices throughout the day including mindfulness, data poster presentations, art therapy, movement and more.
Register today for $75 early-pricing tickets. A limited amount of EOA Scholarships are available for individuals where cost is a barrier to attending – visit the Scholarship Page to apply. Community Connect in Skagit County!
Skagit County Public Health will hold a Community Connect event on Saturday, July 8! Don’t miss this opportunity to build community and friends, have fun, and get connected to resources in our community. What to expect, and note that all services are FREE:
dental van offering extractions, fillings, and screenings
shower services
COVID vaccines and adult vaccines for those underinsured or uninsured
food and music
access to additional supportive services and networking
For more information about the event, visit: https://www.nwys.org/events
El Salud Pública del condado de Skagit tendrá un evento de Conexión Comunitaria el sábado 8 de julio! No te pierdas esta oportunidad de construir comunidad y amigos, divertirse, y conectarse a los recursos en nuestra comunidad. Qué esperar, y tenga en cuenta que todos los servicios son gratuitos:
Van dental que ofrece extracciones, empastes y proyecciones.
Servicio de ducha
Vacunas COVID y vacunas para adultos para personas con seguro insuficiente o sin seguro
Comida y música
Acceso a servicios de apoyo adicionales y redes
Para obtener más información sobre el evento, visite: https://www.nwys.org/events
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.
From the CDC: It's National Extreme Heat and UV Safety Month
From the CDC about extreme heat: "Heat-related deaths and illnesses are preventable. Despite this fact, more than 600 people in the United States are killed by extreme heat every year. This website provides helpful tips, information, and resources to help you stay safe in the extreme heat this summer. Learn more about extreme heat." For information to share in Spanish or English, please click here.
From the CDC about UV Safety: "Taking steps to protect yourself from the sun is a year-round responsibility. Protect yourself and others from the sun with shade, a shirt, or sunblock (SPF 15+) all year long.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a form of non-ionizing radiation that is emitted by the sun and artificial sources, such as tanning beds. While it has some benefits for people, including the creation of Vitamin D, it also can cause health risks." Learn all about UV rays, safety and protection, and share with your community in Spanish or in English by clicking here.
July National Health Observances: HIV Stigma and Hepatitis Awareness
Posted on June 26, 2023 by ODPHP
Each month we feature select National Health Observances (NHOs) that align with our priorities for improving health across the United States. In July we are raising awareness about HIV stigma and viral hepatitis.
Below you’ll find links to resources that will help you promote these NHOs. Join us in advocating for better health nationwide!
Zero HIV Stigma Day As a collaborative effort, the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care (IAPAC) and NAZ are celebrating Zero HIV Stigma Day on July 21 to globally raise awareness about HIV stigma and help people learn about ways to stop it. This day also honors Prudence Mabele, the first Black South African woman to publicly share her HIV status. Help stand up to stigma by sharing this resource on HIV stigma. And check out this social media toolkit from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) content to challenge HIV stigma. We also have MyHealthfinder resources that you can share to help people get tested for HIV and questions to ask the doctor about HIV testing. Finally, review this list of Healthy People 2030 evidence-based resources related to HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
World Hepatitis Day Each year on July 28, the World Health Organization celebrates World Hepatitis Day as a time to raise awareness and understanding about viral hepatitis. Use these campaign materials from the World Hepatitis Alliance to help raise awareness online and in your community. You can also share our MyHealthfinder resources to encourage people to get screened for Hepatitis C and how to stay protected against Hepatitis B. And be sure to check out the Healthy People 2030 evidence-based resources on viral hepatitis to help reduce the rates of infectious disease in your community.
We hope you’ll use these resources to help spread the word about these important NHOs. Together, we can work towards a healthier nation.
Kids and Kidneys! From kids to kids!
Each month, we provide kidney, blood sugar and BP health for adults. But kids are eager to learn--and they are vulnerable. This summer, please take some time to share good resources, to include great and inspiring YouTube videos about kidney health for kids--by kids--grades 5-8. Click here for a great video on nutrition, subscribe to the National Kidney Foundation videos and watch them all with your kids and grandkids!
While we share good resources for kids in this newsletter, please don't forget to take good care of yourselves!
Learn:
Resources from the Mount Baker Foundation
More resources from the Mount Baker Foundation
Check:
Change:
More resources from the Mount Baker Foundation:
and
NephU Kidney Kitchen Creations Cookbook from NephU
Before you begin the application for naturalization (N-400), answer a few questions to see if you are eligible to apply to become a U.S. citizen through naturalization.
Apply for Citizenship Online: How to File Your Application for Naturalization Online Video: Learn how to use your online account to check your eligibility for naturalization, complete the online form, upload evidence, and pay your fee. You’ll also learn how to track and manage your case after filing. To learn more about naturalization or to assist someone with naturalization, click here.
All about 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline from SAMSHA
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org
Creative Offering
Starting back in 2021, CSSP started a collaboration with the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community by creating a video series corresponding to the 13 Moons curriculum, offering a video for each moon. Each Moon includes a Tribal story, brought to life by brilliant shadow artist and animator Heather Dawn Sparks. The 13 Moon’s Curriculum was developed by the Swinomish Community Environmental Health program with the goal to create an informal and scalable model of environmental health education through the lens of first foods and resources.
Watch the video series here, and click here for the 13 Moons curriculum PDF book!
Support HMN
Help us support the invaluable work of faith community nurses and health ministers in northwest Washington by donating today!
And thank you to our fiscal sponsor,
