The Interfaith Health & Hope Coalition offers the Circles of Care (COC) in partnership with faith-based organizations and health care systems throughout Southeast Michigan. Circles of Care (COC) were created to engage faith-based congregations, health systems, social service agencies and others to help develop and expand small networks that serve as partnerships in health education and wellness. P
articipants in Circles of Care represent all aspects of health ministry – parish nurses, congregational health ministers, health professionals--working with faith-based initiatives and others with a shared common interest. Within a Circle of Care, organizations serve as trusted and effective forums and network opportunities for educating, counseling and encouraging the community regarding health issues. By working together, these faith-based communities in collaboration with others, can share best practices in health ministry, while at the same time promoting a more effective linkage with existing social, human and health services in faith centers, schools, clinics and primary care providers. Some of the activities presented by the COC include: a health ministry survey to assess current health and social needs;presentations on chronic disease awareness and workshops on special topics. A COC is generally located in a defined geographic area with an approximate radius of three-to five miles. Pilot sites could have up to 20 inter-denominational faith-based organizations, working in close proximity with public and private health centers, as well as local human service agencies. If you are interested in participating in a Circle of Care or wish to establish one in your community, please contact Ron Beford, Executive Director, Interfaith Health & Hope Coalition at rbeford@yahoo.com or by calling 810-923-6940, or one of the following site leaders.
