UC Davis

Preventive health is underutilized in the United States despite the high prevalence of chronic disease. Reasons for underutilization include cost, distrust, and convenience. This indicates the need for more accessible and effective health promotion and education resources. Faith organizations provide an appropriate venue for health promotion interventions. Some health programs held at churches incorporate spirituality into the content, whereas others take a more secular approach and simply present the facts and education without any spiritual inclusion. All the studies found where health promotion was implemented in a faith community rendered positive results. Because the health of the general population is a significant concern in nursing, it is important to involve nurses in community health promotion efforts. Using current literature, examples of previous ministry health-related guide material, and information gathered from local churches, an online resource has been created to guide nurses through the process of how to implement a health promotion program in their faith community. A nurse practitioner, a nurse, and a pastor served as the expert reviewers and helped contribute valuable changes to the end product. The goal of this educational resource is it will inspire and equip nurses to use their knowledge and talents to implement health programs in their faith community.