DHSS Press Release |
Date: October 6, 2000 DHSS-DPH56-2000 |
| Gregg C. Sylvester, M.D., Secretary Janis D. Shields, Communication Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 |
Contact: Allison Taylor Levine, DPH Phone: (302) 744-4907 Pager: (302) 247-1560 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FAITH AND HEALTH COMMUNITIES WORK TOGETHER TO MEET DELAWAREANS' HEALTH NEEDS
Conference to be Oct. 13 at Georgetown CHEER Center
GEORGETOWN - State health agencies and representatives of the area's faith communities are working together to improve their ability to meet the health needs of Delawareans, especially those in traditionally underserved populations such as ethnic minorities and residents of rural areas.
To strengthen these important partnerships, the Division of Public Health, Beebe Medical Center, the United Methodist Church/Dover Mission Area Ministry, and the Delaware Ecumenical Council on Children and Families are sponsoring the Faith and Health Conference. The conference, which will be held at the Georgetown CHEER Center, is scheduled for Oct. 13, 2000, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
The goals of the conference are to:
- Introduce clergy to the current healthcare delivery systems around the state, including DPH, private systems and major voluntary health agencies;
- Present major health issues and strategies for addressing them;
- Use discussion to include the community in health planning and program development;
- Identify ways faith communities can promote health and wellness;
- Discuss the role of the clergy and spirituality in healing; and
- Promote specific program and activities that demonstrate faith in action to promote good health.
In addition to local health experts and leaders from the interfaith community, featured speakers will include Rev. Gary Gunderson, Director of the Interfaith Health Program of The Carter Center in Atlanta, and Rev. Donald Bailey of the Bureau of Primary Care, Health Resources and Services Administration in Washington. Their presentations will consider how the relationship between health and faith is affecting both policy and program development across the country.
The conference is free and open to the public, but pre-registration is requested. For more information or to register, please call (302) 225-1040.
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
