Parish Health Ministry in Your Church

Supported by donations, ERH’s Parish Health Ministry assists congregations of all denominations throughout Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton and southeastern Ohio with developing or enhancing their own parish nurse/health ministry.

ERH coordinators work closely with congregation members to develop the ministry for their church and/or the community. Parish-designated nurses and health ministers, who are typically volunteers from within the congregation, are trained and supported by ERH to plan, implement and enhance the ministry. These designated individuals are supported by a health cabinet, an interdisciplinary team of church volunteers. This team is committed to seeing that the church’s “healing ministry” is carried out.

Roles of Parish Nurses and Health Ministers:
Parish nurses and health ministers wear many hats within their congregations. These individuals often alert parishioners about the need for medical attention or refer them to appropriate health care providers or community resources. As a health promoter, they help members understand the relationship between lifestyle, attitudes, faith and well-being. They also advocate for individuals with regard to their health care. Other roles include:

Health Educator: Provides speakers and educational information on health and wellness topics.

Facilitator: Recruits, trains and coordinates volunteers and support groups within the congregation and
local community.

Monitoring & Screening: Provides non-invasive health screening activities, such as blood pressure, colon cancer and stroke.

Personal Health Counselor: Assesses individual health needs and delivers information when needed. They also may make home, hospital and nursing home visits.