Recorded presentation

Bethann Witcher Cottrell, PhD, Vine City Health & Housing Ministry, 2986 Country Squire Lane, Decatur, GA 30033, 770-908-1212, drbwitcher@earthlink.net and Gail G. McCray, MA, Morehouse School of Medicine, 720 Westview, Atlanta, GA 30310.

Doctrinal and theological differences aside, US churches have in common a pastorate whose health is cause for concern. Although limited, research indicates that the critical issues facing clergy today are weight, mental health, heart disease and stress. It is evident that the clergy suffers a disproportionate amount of preventable morbidity and mortality. The Vine City Health and Housing Ministry and the Concerned Black Clergy of Metropolitan Atlanta in collaboration with the National Primary Care Center of the Morehouse School of Medicine plus 6 additional partners organized, implemented and evaluated a one-day Clergy Health and Wellness Conference to raise awareness among African-American clergy in metro Atlanta as to critical significance of their own self-care and to provide support and resources for African-American clergy in metro Atlanta to be leaders in promoting health and well-being within their congregations. This session will discuss the current reality of US clergy health including data from a health risk appraisal of conference attendees. As a result of the conference organization and implementation, presenters will outline the challenges of the faith-health partnership and present strategies for engaging clergy in health-based activities based on the conference evaluation and lessons learned.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize 3 major health risks of US clergy
• List 5 strategies for engaging clergy in health-based activities

Keywords: Faith Community, Health Promotion

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Recorded presentation