Health Ministry/Parish Nursing

Spotlight Article
 

The Spotlight On:


Vandalia Presbyterian Church

     It was the summer of 2000 when Vandalia Presbyterian Church decided to investigate the Congregational Nurse Program offered through the Moses Cone Wesley Long Health Foundation. The minister, Dr. Dave Henry, and the session leader of the Outreach committee thought the program looked good and the timing was right. With the approval of the session, a grant proposal was submitted. Vandalia received a 5 year descending grant for a Congregational Nurse (Parish Nurse) 10 hours a week. In November, 2000, Lois Bazhaw, RN, with four years of experience in health ministry, was selected to become our Parish Nurse.

     Over the past seven years the basics of health ministry have stayed the same but the shift has come in who is doing it. In the area of health education, Lois began by researching and writing all of the health hints and newsletter articles herself. The newsletter contribution has grown from a couple items in the church’s newsletter to a 6 page “Wellness Link.” Rev. Mark Sandlin encouraged the development of the “Wellness Link” and even adds a piece of Biblical Trivia under the heading “Of Biblical Portions.” The column “Here’s To Your Health” is written by a retired university professor, Betty Brewer, who covers various diseases and health issues. Lois has a Social Work Student Intern who contributes under the “Health Smart” segment and Lois solicits humor from readers for “the Funny Bone”. Lois then lists the Hospital Health Events, writes up the Health Ministry events for Vandalia and ends with a “Healthwise Kids” page. If you would like to have a copy of the “Wellness Link” just e-mail Lois at vpcnurse@bellsouth.net and a copy can be e-mailed back to you. The editor for bulletin health hints is Betty Garcia, a layperson on the Health Committee who loves to read about health issues. Bulletin boards are designed around health topics each month by Lois who receives assistance right now from the Community Health Student Nurse Intern. The Health Ministry has some ongoing programs such as weekly chair exercise group and weekly yoga group. At the beginning of the Lenten season we started a Ten week “Walk-a-thon to Jerusalem.” This is a two fold program for exercise and to raise money for our emergency fund which will allow us to continue to serve the underserved in our community. Over these past seven years, almost all of the guest speakers have donated their time and expertise for health programs. Lois has created many of her own programs and through networking with other Parish Nurses, borrowed some of theirs. That is to let you know that North Carolina has vast resources available just for the asking.

     Screenings and outreach to the community are very important to Vandalia’s Health Ministry. We have had annual health fairs, flu shot clinics, hosted a city-wide osteoporosis screening and our event for this spring was a Nutrition and Exercise focused health Fair called “Eat Less, Move More.” During this health fair we discovered many individuals with high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Those are the type of outcomes that make this a lifesaving ministry.

     Lois’ office hours during the week are Wednesdays from 9 AM to 1 PM. This is the time for individual health counseling, leading the chair exercise group and assisting the underserved. Her other hours are spent in program development and home, hospital and nursing home visitation. Most folks at Vandalia feel this is a valuable ministry that serves individuals within our church and our community.