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Parish Health Ministry: A Primer for Parish Involvement
Section One: Parish Health Ministry Offering health ministry in a parish may seem like a new concept, but the healthcare needs of parishioners are not new. For many reasons, including cut-backs in government assistance and the growing complexity of insurance options, healthcare needs are growing. Our culture is not the same as it was fifty years ago when families lived in close proximity and were able to directly support each other. Children might live out of state and be unable to help an elderly family member manage health problems. A single parent might struggle with child care and job stress if family members are not nearby to assist. Parish health ministry can help address these needs and the needs of W-2 recipients and children living in poverty. Shorter hospital stays often create serious needs for healthcare within the home. There are many potential components to health ministry which address all of these kinds of needs. Parishes may already be involved in some services and programs without having a cohesive approach to healing and healthcare. What parishes are able to offer will depend on the abilities (and licensing) of staff and volunteers who coordinate health ministry efforts. The following page lists examples of services, topics and resources that could be included under the umbrella of parish health ministry. Opportunities for Parish Health Ministry Personal and Home Health Assistance
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