Health

Free Webinar on Physical Activity for Churches

May 6, 2011 By Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

Our friends at Body & Soul, a faith-based health initiative, are offering a free Webinar to clergy and congregants who are looking for creative ways to be more physically active during church events and services.

Free Webinar on Physical Activity for Churches

May 6, 2011 by Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

Raleigh Report – April 26, 2011

April 28, 2011 By Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

State Deadline Passes and Most New Bills Introduced

Raleigh Report – April 26, 2011

April 28, 2011 by Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

State Deadline Passes and Most New Bills Introduced

Raleigh Report – April 19, 2011

April 20, 2011 By Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

New Bills Edition: Attack on Workers Comp by New Bill H 709/S 544 misnamed Protect and Put NC Back to Work.

Raleigh Report – April 19, 2011

April 20, 2011 by Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

New Bills Edition: Attack on Workers Comp by New Bill H 709/S 544 misnamed Protect and Put NC Back to Work.

Raleigh Report – April 18, 2011

April 20, 2011 By Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

Budget Edition: Last week the chairs of the House Appropriations Subcommittees started revealing their plans for the 2011-13 budget. Not surprisingly, their plans differ in significant ways from the budget proposed by Governor Perdue. The most important difference is that the House leaders will not approve the continuation of any of the emergency tax increases enacted in 2009.

Raleigh Report – April 18, 2011

April 20, 2011 by Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

Community Gardens Springing Up in Raleigh

April 13, 2011 By Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

For churches and other nonprofits in Raleigh that wish to grow a community garden but currently lack the land space to do so, your dream may soon become a reality […]

Community Gardens Springing Up in Raleigh

April 13, 2011 by Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

For churches and other nonprofits in Raleigh that wish to grow a community garden but currently lack the land space to do so, your dream may soon become a reality […]

Raleigh Report – April 4, 2011

April 4, 2011 By Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

The drumbeat of bad bills continues. Suffice it to say that it’s a tough year for those of us who have advocated for public policy decisions promoting social justice, protecting vulnerable people, and caring for God’s creation. We can’t respond to every bad idea or bad bill. On many of these issues, we feel like we are butting our heads against a wall. Our tendency may be to throw up our hands in despair.

Raleigh Report – April 4, 2011

April 4, 2011 by Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

Chronic Disease Legislative Awareness Day

March 28, 2011 By Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

More than two dozen public health organizations, including the Council’s very own Partners in Health and Wholeness (PHW) Initiative, gathered together for Chronic Disease Legislative Awareness Day on Wednesday, March […]

Chronic Disease Legislative Awareness Day

March 28, 2011 by Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

Praise the Lard? Religion Linked to Obesity in Young Adults

March 28, 2011 By Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

A recent study conducted by researchers at Northwestern University found a link between religious activity and obesity in men and women who, at the start of the study, were between […]

Praise the Lard? Religion Linked to Obesity in Young Adults

March 28, 2011 by Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

A recent study conducted by researchers at Northwestern University found a link between religious activity and obesity in men and women who, at the start of the study, were between […]

Building Hope, One Chicken Coop at a Time

March 24, 2011 By chris

Last Saturday I got to meet Cecilia. She used to work in North Carolina’s tobacco fields, but that left her with health problems. A mother of five children, now she’s […]

Building Hope, One Chicken Coop at a Time

March 24, 2011 by chris

Last Saturday I got to meet Cecilia. She used to work in North Carolina’s tobacco fields, but that left her with health problems. A mother of five children, now she’s […]

Raleigh Report – March 21, 2011

March 23, 2011 By Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

New bills on the budget, care of creation, criminal justice, election and campaign law, gambling, guns, health and health care, immigration, mental health, developmental disabilities, substance abuse services, public eduction, and taxes.

Raleigh Report – March 21, 2011

March 23, 2011 by Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

Calling all Community Sparkplugs!

March 18, 2011 By Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation - in partnership with the North Carolina Council of Churches, Center for Environmental Farming Systems, North Carolina PTA, and North Carolina Recreation and Park Association - is looking for "Community Sparkplugs" to help build a healthier North Carolina. So, what exactly is a Community Sparkplug?

Calling all Community Sparkplugs!

March 18, 2011 by Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation – in partnership with the North Carolina Council of Churches, Center for Environmental Farming Systems, North Carolina PTA, and North Carolina Recreation and Park Association – is looking for “Community Sparkplugs” to help build a healthier North Carolina. So, what exactly is a Community Sparkplug?

Grants to Create Healthier Communities

March 18, 2011 By Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

ENCToday.com

Lenoir County is the first county in the state to receive grant awards through the “Spark Plug” program, an initiative of the Blue Cross/Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation to promote healthy activity and nutrition. Ten organizations and government entities in Pink Hill, Grifton and Kinston each received a $3,000 award for projects that inspired physical activity or greater nutrition in the community. “If every county has spark plugs in it like Lenoir County does, this is going to be a huge success,” Danielle Breslin, vice president of operations for the BCBSNC Foundation, said of the program.

Grants to Create Healthier Communities

March 18, 2011

ENCToday.com

Ten organizations and government entities in Pink Hill, Grifton and Kinston each received a $3,000 award for projects that inspired physical activity or greater nutrition in the community.

“If every county has spark plugs in it like Lenoir County does, this is going to be a huge success,” Danielle Breslin, vice president of operations for the BCBSNC Foundation, said of the program.

Raleigh Report – March 7, 2011

March 17, 2011 By Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

Governor Bev Perdue on Saturday vetoed H 2, the misnamed “Protect Health Care Freedom” bill. (It should be called the “Freedom to be Uninsured and Unable to Get Health Care” bill.) The bill was an attack on federal health care reform and purported to remove North Carolinians from the mandated purchase of health insurance, which is the basis of federal reform which will move millions of uninsured Americans into the ranks of the insured.

Raleigh Report – March 7, 2011

March 17, 2011 by Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

Video from Come to the Table Conference

March 17, 2011 By chris

On a blustery March day that saw snow flurries up in the mountains, more than a hundred people gathered at Black Mountain’s First Baptist Church to talk about food, faith […]

Video from Come to the Table Conference

March 17, 2011 by chris

On a blustery March day that saw snow flurries up in the mountains, more than a hundred people gathered at Black Mountain’s First Baptist Church to talk about food, faith […]

Prospect Presbyterian’s Health Efforts Noted

March 15, 2011 By Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

Salisbury Post

Prospect Presbyterian Church, 9425 W. NC Hwy 152 in Mooresville, has achieved the North Carolina Council of Churches’ first Gold Certification for the congregation’s commitment to better health. The Rev. Joanne Hull serves as Prospect’s pastor with Sybil Perrell, RN, as the parish nurse for this rural church in the edge of Western Rowan County.

Prospect Presbyterian’s Health Efforts Noted

March 15, 2011

Salisbury Post

Prospect Presbyterian Church, 9425 W. NC Hwy 152 in Mooresville, has achieved the North Carolina Council of Churches’ first Gold Certification for the congregation’s commitment to better health.

The Rev. Joanne Hull serves as Prospect’s pastor with Sybil Perrell, RN, as the parish nurse for this rural church in the edge of Western Rowan County.

Healthy Focus

March 14, 2011 By Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

Raleigh News and Observer

The 26th Annual Emerging Issues Forum in downtown Raleigh on Feb. 7 and 8 focused specifically on new and promising innovations in health care. Throughout the forum, there was one group in particular that seemed to get a lot of attention - churches.

Healthy Focus

March 14, 2011

Raleigh News and Observer

Report from Come to the Table

February 23, 2011 By chris

On Friday and Saturday last week, about 180 people gathered at the 2011 Come to the Table conference in Winston-Salem. Bringing together pastors, lay leaders, experts in the fields of hunger and sustainable agriculture, entrepreneurs, farmworker advocates, and many others. Conference workshops were held on Friday, with site visits and practical tours on Saturday.

Report from Come to the Table

February 23, 2011 by chris

Raleigh Report – February 18, 2011

February 22, 2011 By Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

Health Benefit Exchange Bills Introduced; Other New Bills; Updates on already introduced bills.

Raleigh Report – February 18, 2011

February 22, 2011 by Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

Health Benefit Exchange Bills Introduced; Other New Bills; Updates on already introduced bills.

Mooresville Church Receives First PHW Gold Certificate

February 22, 2011 By Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

Prospect Presbyterian Church in Mooresville has received the North Carolina Council of Churches’ first Partners in Health and Wholeness (PHW) Gold Certificate for their commitment to better health. Rev. Joanne […]

Mooresville Church Receives First PHW Gold Certificate

February 22, 2011 by Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

The Cost of Cheap Food

February 17, 2011 By chris

Tomorrow, the NC Council of Churches’ Rural Life Committee will convene our third biennial Come to the Table Conference. With meetings across the state over the next three weeks, the conference offers resources for faith communities working to relieve hunger and support local farms.

The Cost of Cheap Food

February 17, 2011 by chris

Churches All the Talk at Important Health Care Meeting

February 10, 2011 By Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

As a representative of faith-based health in North Carolina, I had the distinct pleasure of attending the 26th Annual Emerging Issues Forum in downtown Raleigh on February 7th and 8th, […]

Churches All the Talk at Important Health Care Meeting

February 10, 2011 by Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

As a representative of faith-based health in North Carolina, I had the distinct pleasure of attending the 26th Annual Emerging Issues Forum in downtown Raleigh on February 7th and 8th, […]

Raleigh Report – February 7, 2011

February 7, 2011 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

Bills needing immediate attention; Updates on other bills; Information on contacting legislators.

Raleigh Report – February 7, 2011

February 7, 2011 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

Bills needing immediate attention; Updates on other bills; Information on contacting legislators.

PHW Certification Program: Apply Today!

February 7, 2011 By Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

Partners in Health and Wholeness is offering a yearly certification process to congregations across the state. As of January 1, 2011, congregations can now achieve all three levels of certification – Bronze, Silver and Gold – and receive recognition from the Council and their respective judicatories upon completion of the program.

PHW Certification Program: Apply Today!

February 7, 2011 by Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

Affordable Health Insurance for People with Pre-existing Conditions

February 1, 2011 By Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

Inclusive Health – a nonprofit organization created by the state to provide affordable health insurance to people with pre-existing medical conditions – offered a free webinar to clergy and other […]

Affordable Health Insurance for People with Pre-existing Conditions

February 1, 2011 by Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

Partners in Health and Wholeness Training

February 1, 2011 By Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

Partners in Health and Wholeness held an informational session/training at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Goldsboro on Saturday, January 29. The event was a follow-up to the PHW Clergy Breakfast […]

Partners in Health and Wholeness Training

February 1, 2011 by Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

Health-Related Bulletin Inserts for the Faith Community

January 6, 2011 By Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

Eat Smart, Move More North Carolina – the same group that brought to us the Maintain, Don’t Gain Holiday Challenge – has developed health-related bulletin inserts for the faith community. These inserts provide short, easy-to-read messages on a variety of health topics such as asthma, cancer, diabetes, and heart disease and stroke.

Health-Related Bulletin Inserts for the Faith Community

January 6, 2011 by Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

Let’s Move!

January 4, 2011 By Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

On November 29, 2010, First Lady Michelle Obama and the White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships met with people of faith from across the country to discuss the […]

Let’s Move!

January 4, 2011 by Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

On November 29, 2010, First Lady Michelle Obama and the White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships met with people of faith from across the country to discuss the […]

As We Enter A New Year

January 4, 2011 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Friends, We look ahead to 2011 knowing we face many challenges and that our commitment to the work we believe in must be fortified and renewed. The environment in which […]

As We Enter A New Year

January 4, 2011 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Friends, We look ahead to 2011 knowing we face many challenges and that our commitment to the work we believe in must be fortified and renewed. The environment in which […]

Partners in Health and Wholeness Training

January 3, 2011 By Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

Are you a pastor or parishioner who is concerned about the health of God's people? Are you troubled when you read the names of congregants who are home-bound or have been hospitalized due to an illness in the weekly church bulletin? Do you believe that our bodies are God's temple and that we can improve our health and, in the case of secondhand smoke, the health of others by being physically active, eating healthily and not using tobacco products?

Partners in Health and Wholeness Training

January 3, 2011 by Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

Are you a pastor or parishioner who is concerned about the health of God’s people? Are you troubled when you read the names of congregants who are home-bound or have been hospitalized due to an illness in the weekly church bulletin? Do you believe that our bodies are God’s temple and that we can improve our health and, in the case of secondhand smoke, the health of others by being physically active, eating healthily and not using tobacco products?

Statement on Physical Activity and Nutrition

December 6, 2010 By North Carolina Council of Churches

The issue of overweight and obesity has been well-publicized in recent months. In the United States, more than 23 million kids (nearly one-third) are overweight or obese. In North Carolina, 65%[2] of adults and 36% of children and youth age 6-17 fall into one of these alarming categories – alarming because of the adverse effects on one’s health resulting from carrying excess weight as well as the financial impact on the individual, his/her family, employer and the overall health care system.

Statement on Physical Activity and Nutrition

December 6, 2010 by North Carolina Council of Churches

Moving Forward with the NCCC

December 2, 2010 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

As December begins, we make the transition from a time of thanksgiving to a season of anticipation. The Council has much to be grateful for this year. Talented and dynamic […]

Moving Forward with the NCCC

December 2, 2010 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

As December begins, we make the transition from a time of thanksgiving to a season of anticipation. The Council has much to be grateful for this year. Talented and dynamic […]

Clergy and Real Life

November 29, 2010 By Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

Raleigh News & Observer

Thank you for bringing awareness to the issue of clergy mental health in your Nov. 11 article, "Depression is an Occupational Hazard for Clergy." Too often, we expect ministers of the gospel to have all of the answers and to be available 24/7 to listen to and meet the needs of God's people. We fail to realize, however, that they are only human - like many of us, they have families, mortgages to pay and concerns about the future, and some clergy even take on additional jobs to help make ends meet.

Clergy and Real Life

November 29, 2010

Raleigh News & Observer

Thank you for bringing awareness to the issue of clergy mental health in your Nov. 11 article, “Depression is an Occupational Hazard for Clergy.” Too often, we expect ministers of the gospel to have all of the answers and to be available 24/7 to listen to and meet the needs of God’s people. We fail to realize, however, that they are only human – like many of us, they have families, mortgages to pay and concerns about the future, and some clergy even take on additional jobs to help make ends meet.

The Child Obesity Crisis

November 16, 2010 By Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

Raleigh News & Observer

The issue of overweight and obesity is not new - earlier this year, it was reported that NC is the 10th most obese state in the nation for adults and the 11th most overweight and obese state for children... Through Partners in Health and Wholeness, an initiative of the NC Council of Churches, congregations in NC are taking steps to improve the health of children by offering healthier snacks at youth events and encouraging physical activity. As people of faith, we acknowledge that our bodies are God's temple and that we must love ourselves as we love and care for others.

The Child Obesity Crisis

November 16, 2010

Raleigh News & Observer

The issue of overweight and obesity is not new – earlier this year, it was reported that NC is the 10th most obese state in the nation for adults and the 11th most overweight and obese state for children… Through Partners in Health and Wholeness, an initiative of the NC Council of Churches, congregations in NC are taking steps to improve the health of children by offering healthier snacks at youth events and encouraging physical activity. As people of faith, we acknowledge that our bodies are God’s temple and that we must love ourselves as we love and care for others.

Exciting Progress for Partners in Health and Wholeness

November 9, 2010 By chris

Congregations across the state are now taking part in the North Carolina Council of Churches' Partners in Health and Wholeness (PHW) Certification Program, demonstrating that their bodies are God's temple by eating healthier, being more physically active and reducing the impact of smoking on themselves and their neighbors.

Exciting Progress for Partners in Health and Wholeness

November 9, 2010 by chris

Congregations across the state are now taking part in the North Carolina Council of Churches’ Partners in Health and Wholeness (PHW) Certification Program, demonstrating that their bodies are God’s temple by eating healthier, being more physically active and reducing the impact of smoking on themselves and their neighbors.

Reflections on Our 75th Anniversary

October 29, 2010 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

I was struck, as I listened to remembrances from the past, that we really are seeing progress on issues of social justice. But it happens over a period of years or even decades. The issues we heard about at the Anniversary are difficult ones. They have produced years of frustration and sometimes what looked like complete failure. And yet . . .

Reflections on Our 75th Anniversary

October 29, 2010 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

Health Stewardship

September 7, 2010 By Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

Raleigh News & Observer

I appreciated the Aug. 22 article about Ben Roberts, owner of Foundation Fitness in Greensboro, who traveled between Raleigh and Greensboro challenging employees to be physically active. When working with different groups, Roberts stresses the simplicity of living a healthy, active lifestyle. Small changes during the work day such as taking the stairs, using a pedometer to track the number of steps taken and keeping hydrated can help boost energy levels and overall confidence.

Health Stewardship

September 7, 2010

Raleigh News & Observer

I appreciated the Aug. 22 article about Ben Roberts, owner of Foundation Fitness in Greensboro, who traveled between Raleigh and Greensboro challenging employees to be physically active.

When working with different groups, Roberts stresses the simplicity of living a healthy, active lifestyle. Small changes during the work day such as taking the stairs, using a pedometer to track the number of steps taken and keeping hydrated can help boost energy levels and overall confidence.

PHW Clergy Breakfast on Health: A Resounding Success

August 30, 2010 By Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

The North Carolina Council of Churches held its first-ever Clergy Breakfast on Health on Thursday, August 26 at St. James African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Zion Church in Goldsboro. Twenty-five local […]

PHW Clergy Breakfast on Health: A Resounding Success

August 30, 2010 by Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

2010 Session Wrap-Up

August 12, 2010 By Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

Yesterday was the deadline for Governor Perdue to sign or veto bills passed by the General Assembly in the last weeks of the session. Interestingly, yesterday she let a bill become law without her signature.

Also in this Raleigh Report: Domestic Violence, Environment, Gambling, and more.

2010 Session Wrap-Up

August 12, 2010 by Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

Also in this Raleigh Report: Domestic Violence, Environment, Gambling, and more.

Community Gardens Sprout in Triangle

August 4, 2010 By chris

More and more North Carolinians are getting involved with community gardens. Through our Come to the Table program, the Council’s Rural Life Committee has been promoting this work for the past few years. We’ve been visiting gardens, leading workshops, sharing best practices, eating delicious local food and making friends across the state.

Community Gardens Sprout in Triangle

August 4, 2010 by chris

Health Disparities: A Moral Issue

August 2, 2010 By Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

Disparities in health often mean earlier death and increased morbidity for one group of people versus another. Groups can be defined by race, ethnicity, age, sex, disability status, geography (urban […]

Health Disparities: A Moral Issue

August 2, 2010 by Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

North Carolina Farmworker Health Facts

August 1, 2010 By chris

Farm labor ranks as one of the top three most dangerous occupations in the United States. In addition to hazards in the fields, farmworkers and their families face unique burdens on their physical and mental health. North Carolina’s leading industry is agriculture, yet farmworkers are among the most underserved residents in the state. This colorful and easy-to-read fact sheet was designed for congregations and community groups. Download a copy today.

North Carolina Farmworker Health Facts

August 1, 2010 by chris

Promoting good health can be a spiritual calling

July 20, 2010 By Willona Stallings, Former Program Coordinator – Partners in Health & Wholeness

Greensboro News & Record

According to Trust for America's Health, as reported in the News & Record on June 29, North Carolina is now the 10th-heaviest state, after ranking No. 12 just one year ago. This signifies a reduced quality of life for more North Carolinians, as research shows that persons who are overweight or obese are at increased risk for heart disease and stroke, Type 2 diabetes and certain cancers. It also means additional financial costs for our state.

Promoting good health can be a spiritual calling

July 20, 2010

Greensboro News & Record

According to Trust for America’s Health, as reported in the News & Record on June 29, North Carolina is now the 10th-heaviest state, after ranking No. 12 just one year ago. This signifies a reduced quality of life for more North Carolinians, as research shows that persons who are overweight or obese are at increased risk for heart disease and stroke, Type 2 diabetes and certain cancers. It also means additional financial costs for our state.

Partners in Health & Wholeness Worship Aid

July 12, 2010 By chris

Welcome to our worship resources for Partners in Health and Wholeness (PHW). PHW is an ambitious program of the North Carolina Council of Churches designed to help people of faith to see health — their own health — as an issue of faith and to take action that will lead to healthier and more abundant living.

Partners in Health & Wholeness Worship Aid

July 12, 2010 by chris

Recipes for the Heart & Soul

July 11, 2010 By chris

At the North Carolina Council of Churches’ Partners in Health and Wholeness Program, we want to help people of faith and congregations become healthier. What better way to help people become healthier than by helping them prepare healthy foods? Not only do we want to show you how to cook healthy foods at home, we want to offer you recipes to use at church events, too. Our objective with this cookbook is to highlight healthy recipes for large groups. Our hope is that you will use these recipes to help feed your parishes, that they might receive spiritual and bodily nourishment at church.

Recipes for the Heart & Soul

July 11, 2010 by chris

A Day of Resource Sharing, Coalition Building and Remembering The Call to Service

July 9, 2010 By chris

The North Carolina Council of Churches’ Partners in Health and Wholeness program held its 2010 Faith and Health Summit in March, drawing together nearly 250 participants to learn about integrating health practices and strategies within faith communities.

A Day of Resource Sharing, Coalition Building and Remembering The Call to Service

July 9, 2010 by chris

Partners in Health & Wholeness: Bronze-Certified Congregations

July 9, 2010 By chris

These congregations have demonstrated that, as people of faith, they strive to live an abundant life of health and wholeness by naming a congregational health promoter, serving healthy food and beverage at church meals, and reducing the impact of smoking on themselves and their neighbors.

Partners in Health & Wholeness: Bronze-Certified Congregations

July 9, 2010 by chris

Raleigh Report: General Assembly Addressing Childhood Obesity

June 28, 2010 By chris

Unfortunately, the childhood obesity epidemic is drastically affecting North Carolina. In 2009, North Carolina ranked 14th worst in the nation in childhood overweight and obesity for children ages 10-17, with more than one-third (33.5%) of our children being overweight or obese.

Also in this Raleigh Report: Domestic Violence, Environment, Gambling, Health, Housing, People with Disabilities, Public Education, and more.

Raleigh Report: General Assembly Addressing Childhood Obesity

June 28, 2010 by chris

Also in this Raleigh Report: Domestic Violence, Environment, Gambling, Health, Housing, People with Disabilities, Public Education, and more.

Cooking for big groups doesn’t have to mean big calories

May 27, 2010 By chris

Wilmington Star-News

How do you fix lunch for a hundred or so fellow worshipers at your hometown church – and still keep the dishes low in calories, salt and cholesterol? The N.C. Council of Churches might have the answer to your problem.

Cooking for big groups doesn’t have to mean big calories

May 27, 2010

Wilmington Star-News

The role of the church in modern politics and social change

May 27, 2010 By chris

NC Policy Watch

In the 21st Century, we must no longer view Church as a semiweekly activity that occurs within the confines of a physical structure with four walls and a pulpit. Instead, we must take our message of hope, justice, unity and peace to the wider community, and, yes, even Capitol Hill! I believe that real change happens when various groups - public and private, secular and religious, progressive and conservative, privileged and disadvantaged, old and young, black and white - work together to achieve a common goal.

The role of the church in modern politics and social change

May 27, 2010

NC Policy Watch

In the 21st Century, we must no longer view Church as a semiweekly activity that occurs within the confines of a physical structure with four walls and a pulpit. Instead, we must take our message of hope, justice, unity and peace to the wider community, and, yes, even Capitol Hill! I believe that real change happens when various groups – public and private, secular and religious, progressive and conservative, privileged and disadvantaged, old and young, black and white – work together to achieve a common goal.

Short Session Convenes, Senate Adopts Budget in Record Speed

May 27, 2010 By chris

The summer’s “short session” of the North Carolina General Assembly convened on May 12, a continuation of the 2009 session. Its primary task will be to adjust the 2010-11 budget adopted last year, though it can also take up bills that made it through one house last year, bills coming from study commissions, and bills amending the state Constitution.

Short Session Convenes, Senate Adopts Budget in Record Speed

May 27, 2010 by chris

Justice, rights, faith

March 24, 2010 By chris

Raleigh News & Observer

As followers of Jesus Christ, a healer known as the Great Physician, as believers in a God who loves and cares for all of his children equally, we at the N.C. Council of Churches are profoundly grateful for passage of health care reform legislation by the U.S. House of Representatives.

Justice, rights, faith

March 24, 2010

Raleigh News & Observer

Russell: Faith groups back universal care

March 9, 2010 By chris

Durham Herald-Sun

Opinion: Many of the noisy detractors who rail against universal access to affordable health care are the same folks who loudly proclaim a pious faith and claim ethical superiority on other issues. Maybe they should listen to other religious voices on faith and ethics, voices of those who spend their lives studying the scriptures and serving people seriously impacted by our current health-care system.

Russell: Faith groups back universal care

March 9, 2010

Durham Herald-Sun

No Joy For You

October 16, 2009 By chris

Rev. Deborah Patterson

Babylonian captivity. I believe we are there again, both literally and figuratively. We are literally in Babylon as American troops serve in an unending war in Iraq, the new name for that land. And, working with parish nurses, daily I hear stories which attest that we are figuratively being held captive by a health system that excludes millions, bankrupts millions, and keeps millions in jobs they despise but need for health insurance. Doctors are held captive by reimbursement plans that penalize them for spending more than 7 or 8 minutes with patients. Nurses are held captive by staffing patterns that keep them working longer shifts, with more and sicker and patients to care for. Churches are being held captive by health insurance costs that prevent them from being able to call full-time pastors.

No Joy For You

October 16, 2009 by chris

Rev. Deborah Patterson

Don’t You Care?

June 21, 2009 By chris

Rev. Cliff Frasier, First Congregational Church, UCC (Washington, D.C.)

In the policy-making reform-world, we may talk about health care as a “right.” In the economic world we may talk about health care as a cost or even as a profit. [“p-r-o-f-i-t]. In the health-care-delivery world, the social-work-world, we may talk about health care as a need. But in our faith world, let us also talk about health care as a responsibility. As a moral responsibility. To care for God’s creation -- for ourselves, for each other. Let us talk about not-providing-health-care as a failure in the realm of moral-responsibility. In other words, to the degree we allow within moral reasoning the category of . . . . “sin” . . . let us allow the failure to provide healthcare to be understood in just that way.

Don’t You Care?

June 21, 2009 by chris

Rev. Cliff Frasier, First Congregational Church, UCC (Washington, D.C.)

In the policy-making reform-world, we may talk about health care as a “right.” In the economic world we may talk about health care as a cost or even as a profit. [“p-r-o-f-i-t]. In the health-care-delivery world, the social-work-world, we may talk about health care as a need. But in our faith world, let us also talk about health care as a responsibility. As a moral responsibility. To care for God’s creation — for ourselves, for each other. Let us talk about not-providing-health-care as a failure in the realm of moral-responsibility. In other words, to the degree we allow within moral reasoning the category of . . . . “sin” . . . let us allow the failure to provide healthcare to be understood in just that way.

Health and Secondhand Smoke

September 5, 2006 By North Carolina Council of Churches

Even in 1984, the Council’s report suggested that there were “harmful effects . . . to those non-smokers exposed to the side-smoke of smokers.” Today, an increasingly strong body of research points to the fact that secondhand smoke (that which is inhaled by non-smokers in a smoking environment) does indeed pose serious health hazards. This risk is associated not only with long-term consumption but also with secondhand smoke breathed in for as little as thirty minutes.

Health and Secondhand Smoke

September 5, 2006 by North Carolina Council of Churches

Medical Malpractice Insurance Issues

December 2, 2003 By North Carolina Council of Churches

The faith community, when true to its founding principles, has historically advocated for the common good over those of special interests. The faith community has also sought to be a voice for and a defender of "the poor, the orphaned and the widow"... A cap on medical malpractice damages would harm the common good because it would bring greater suffering upon those who have been the victims of medical malpractice. It would have its deepest impact upon the poor, who can least afford to have artificial limits placed on the compensation that might be paid to them, and it would do so to the benefit of individuals and companies of much greater financial power.

Medical Malpractice Insurance Issues

December 2, 2003 by North Carolina Council of Churches

The faith community, when true to its founding principles, has historically advocated for the common good over those of special interests. The faith community has also sought to be a voice for and a defender of “the poor, the orphaned and the widow”… A cap on medical malpractice damages would harm the common good because it would bring greater suffering upon those who have been the victims of medical malpractice. It would have its deepest impact upon the poor, who can least afford to have artificial limits placed on the compensation that might be paid to them, and it would do so to the benefit of individuals and companies of much greater financial power.

Increasing the Cigarette Tax

December 2, 2003 By North Carolina Council of Churches

The question of raising the tax on cigarettes appears to pose a conflict between positions taken by the North Carolina Council of Churches in previous years. On the one hand, the Council has warned of the health risks associated with cigarette smoking, supported measures leading to better health and providing more accessible health care, and called for steps to limit youth access to cigarettes. On the other hand, the Council has long supported a more progressive tax structure and opposed regressive taxes.

Increasing the Cigarette Tax

December 2, 2003 by North Carolina Council of Churches

Youth Access to Tobacco Products

January 11, 1997 By North Carolina Council of Churches

A Policy Statement of the North Carolina Council of Churches, January 1997 Summary The Current Status Tobacco use is the number one preventable cause of premature death and disease- .Approximately 25,000 North Carolina teenagers […]

Youth Access to Tobacco Products

January 11, 1997 by North Carolina Council of Churches

A Policy Statement on Health Care

January 11, 1997 By North Carolina Council of Churches

Four years ago, the Council of Churches issued a policy statement on health care that expressed concern about the large number of North Carolinians without adequate health insurance and about the high and increasing cost of health care. Our concern is especially great for those most vulnerable in our society: the poor, children, people of color, and the elderly. At that time, we called for a national health plan that would guarantee universal coverage for health care, coupled with effective cost control, broad-based and equitable financing, and assured quality of services.

A Policy Statement on Health Care

January 11, 1997 by North Carolina Council of Churches

Moral Dimensions of Tobacco

July 12, 1984 By chris

The Study Committee on Tobacco was formed by the NC Council of Churches in response to a dilemma faced by the citizens of NC. On the one hand, mounting medical evidence links the use of tobacco with numerous health problems. On the other hand, the long established tobacco economy is threatened. The tendency in NC has been to avoid or ignore the dilemma. Farmers, agribusiness people, manufacturers and distributors of tobacco products, as well as state officials, have found it difficult to deal directly with he crisis precipitated by the increasing pressure of negative health data.

Moral Dimensions of Tobacco

July 12, 1984 by chris

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