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. Participants 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.
