HMA Today Winter 2008

Imagine if you will, a man making his way up a mountain, at the top of which is a precipice overlooking a magnificent view. The path he has chosen is resplendent with scenic foliage but challenging with its rocky terrain, steep slope and scattered fallen trees which force unexpected detours. He knows it will take several exhausting hours to reach the summit but still remains committed. Midway through his trek, however, he feels tired and overwhelmed by what lies ahead. Briefly, he considers turning back to take the alternate path to his destination. He reasons that with its straight and level roads he will reach the peak sooner but also realizes that the view along the way by comparison will be mundane. In the end, he decides to stay the course inspired on by the vision of beauty that awaits him. Arriving at the summit, later than originally planned, tired, dirty and tattered, he raises his arms in sweet victory and greets an incomparable sunset over rolling hills and splendid waters. He proclaims the journey a success and reflects on the many obstacles surmounted, the majesty of nature encountered along the way, and the joy of reaching the pinnacle of his dreams.

Those who teach about the intricacies and blessings of health ministry can often feel like sojourners who have chosen that steeply sloped and winding path replete with barriers and disappointments. Cumbersome financial restraints, limited personnel resources, disdain from misunderstanding colleagues, and jags of self-doubt can weigh one down enough to consider a change in course, an easier route. But, through prayer and spiritual reflection we can begin to hear the whispers that invite us to look at the loveliness in our midst, and stay the course. The colorful foliage represents the many people we meet and serve along the way. The rolling hills and splendid waters are the friends and family who understand and support us through trials and tribulations. And while the pinnacle of our dreams may be off in the distance, victory is sure to come to those intent on looking for the beauty beyond the barriers.

Letter from the President

Update FCN Credentialing Task Force
Sonja Simpson, RN, MSN, FCN
HMA President

The FCN Credentialing Task Force continues to meet and work on developing the process for optional credentialing. Since the method that will be used is not a quantitative test, the process of development is arduous and requires careful thought. I would like to share the latest in where we are with the process.

The process will be an on-line process. ANCC has a contract with Decision Critical to develop the template for on-line submission.

The process will be optional and a fee has not yet been established.

The requirements for candidacy are in the final stages of decision making. There will be a period of time where there will not be a degree requirement. This will allow those who do not have a college degree to apply and be “grandfathered” in.

The various pieces of required material have not been finalized but will most likely include: a resume, letters of support, peer evaluation, narrative of the candidate’s spiritual journey, evidence based case studies and a description of the faith community in which the FCN works. Details related to these requirements (and others) will be further described in a more formal way through written materials and workshops that will be presented at both the HMA annual conference and the Westberg Symposium.

There will be a period of time where those who successfully complete the process will be known as ’recognized’. Later, the term ‘certified’ will be used. Developing a new method of credentialing known as the portfolio process requires a period of validity and reliability testing. This is to be certain the process is not subjective and meets criteria for objective and professional competency testing.

Three of the Task Force members spent 2 days in December with ANCC staff, reviewing work to date and discussing what steps need to be taken to complete the project.

Criteria for evaluators and the process of application to be an evaluator is yet to be developed.

The FCN Credentialing Task Force members are likened to content experts….content experts are used to develop test questions for exams. The development of the FCN Credentialing Process is an arduous one, requiring much thought. The process requires validation that every candidate is meeting each of the FCN Nursing Standards.

Thanks to all for your patience as we continue to unfold the process. If you have any questions related to this, please contact Sonja Simpson at simpsonrl@charter.net

HMA's Vision

Healthier Communities
David Young, DVM, MS, PhD, CRC
Chair, Rural Health Ministry Initiative (RHMI) Task Force

As members of the faith community we are called, gifted and sent into a broken, wounded and hurting world – a world hi-jacked by ‘isms’ – consumerism, materialism, hedonism, racism and sexism. A world of hi-tech in need of hi-touch. Never before has the need for an organization like HMA been so great. According to a recent on-line poll conducted by CarePages /www.carepages.com, a large majority of respondents identified empathy and compassion to be lacking in our health care system. A total of 92% wished their doctors and nurses would be more proactive in providing emotional support and 99% said they believe emotional support can have a positive effect on the healing process. Empathy and compassion are foundational pillars of HMA as an organization of ‘People of Faith Working Together for Healthier Communities.’

The role of community was very evident at the 2007 National Prevention & Health Promotion Summit held November 27-29, 2007, in Washington, DC. The Summit, "Creating a Culture of Wellness", was sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the US Dept of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The goal of the Summit was to create a culture of wellness by:

Facilitating the development of a shared public health agenda focused on prevention to guide the work of professionals at the federal, state, territory, tribal and community levels;
Exploring innovations in science and policy that support engaging in regular physical activity, eating a healthy diet, taking advantage of appropriate medical screenings, making healthy choices to avoid risky behaviors, and other healthy practices;
Fostering multidisciplinary approaches to put prevention principles into practice;
Investigating how changes in health literacy, culture, communications and technology challenge how we reach, engage, educate and influence target audiences in their health and lifestyle decisions.

Overall, the Summit underscored the well-established fact that individual health and community health are inseparable. Keynote speaker, Dr. Leland R. Kaiser, emphasized the fact that we cannot separate individual health from community health– they are transactual - affecting each other. A healthy person living in an unhealthy environment will not stay healthy for very long. What is around us affects us healthwise. According to Dr. Kaiser, the magic words of the future are ‘convene’ and ‘connect’. He said we need to develop incentives to create partnerships that empower people to design high-impact therapeutic environments and healthier communities. Interestingly, faith-based organizations are in a strategic position to play a key role at this threshold point because they have been gifted with the innate power to ‘convene’ and ‘connect’ people and organizations in our communities.

The Summit plenary and concurrent sessions (eight in tandem at each of seven different sessions) and 64 poster presentations, covered the full spectrum of 'Creating a Culture of Wellness' - including, but not limited to teen health promotion; looking ahead to Healthy People 2020; obesity in children, adults and across the lifespan; mental health and co-morbidities with depression; adapting health education materials; health enhancing interventions in the workplace; community-based partnerships for health promotion; risk factors and improved screening; promoting school health; promoting wellness for people with disabilities; educating policymakers; recovery from substance abuse; community health informatics innovations; motivating small communities through microfinancing; chronic disease management; and many more.

The 2007 Summit attendance maxed out at 1100+ attendees with many on a waiting list in case of cancellations. More than 1,540 joined the sessions from 393 distinct locations for LIVE Webcast sessions, and another 2,745 (from 427 locations) watched some portion of the replays. In the near future, enhanced versions of the plenary sessions and of three of the concurrent sessions will become available in a Free, On-Demand Archive at: www.wellness07.com

For more information about the Summit, the main website is at: www.cdc.gov/cochp/conference/

The full Summit Program Book is at: www.cdc.gov/cochp/conference/pdfs/program_book.pdf

Selected Sessions from the 2007 Summit are available electronically at the
"Summit On-demand" Library at: www.wellness07.com/indexB.htm

Tobacco-Free Kids

HMA is Taking Initiatives
Marilyn D. Harris, RN, MSN, CNAA,BC, FAAN
Public Relations Network Chair

smoking The Health Ministries Association (HMA) is a partner in several initiatives that are important to members. These partnerships provide resources for HMA members and the faith communities they serve and HMA members are important resources for these organizations. Several of these initiatives are:

Faith United Against Tobacco (FUAT). Vinnie DeMarco, Coordinator, FUAT, (demarco@mdinitiative.org) (410-235-9000) and Patricia Sosa, Vice President, Constituency Relations (psosa@tobaccofreekids.org) (202-296-5469) are key contacts for these initiatives.

Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids-Kick Butts Day (KBD). April 2, 2008 will be the 13th annual KBD, an annual celebration of youth leadership and activism. The Campaign and its partners recognize that tobacco products are deadly, and that the tobacco industry spends more than $15.4 billion per year, more that $42 million per day, to market and advertise its products, much of it aimed at kids.

KBD not only serves as a chance to educate kids of all ages about the dangers of tobacco, but also acts as an opportunity for youth advocates to take matters into their own hands and achieve real results in the field of tobacco prevention, control and education.

In 2007, nearly 2,000 events across all 50 states generated hundreds of television, newspaper and radio stories reaching more than 20 million viewers.

You can order your free Kick Butts Day Guide and register events at www.kickbuttsday.org. Visit the “Activities” section of the web site for additional materials that are only available in the KBD online activity guide.

A related article in this newsletter by William V. Core, Executive Director of the Campaign for TFKs, provides current information about The Family Smoking Preventions and Tobacco Control Act (S.625 and H.R. 1108).

AstraZeneca Patient Assistance Program. This program has a new name: AZ&Me(tm) Prescription Savings program for people without insurance. This program will continue to provide AstraZeneca medicines at no cost to qualifying patients delivered directly to the home or doctor’s office. This name change will not affect current patient’s enrollment in the program in any way. Information on a new application is available at the updated web site at www.azandme.com or 1-800-292-6363 to start the enrolment process via phone.

From the HMA Vice President

A Pair of World Peace Socks
Ronnette Sailors, RN, BSN
HMA Vice President

My friend, Mary Eileen Andreasen, related the following story to me one day. I was so moved I made her write it down:

Before bed, my daughter Megan and I have a ritual. We have "reading club" in my bed. Both of us grab a book and read for about 45 minutes. Together. Silently. It's a cozy bonding time. One night during the winter, after reading club, Megan announced that she doesn't sleep well when her feet are cold. She said that if she wears socks to bed, she sleeps more soundly, wakes up refreshed and has a better day. She extrapolated further...... she said that when she has a better day, she is kinder to her classmates and thus, classmates and teachers both have a better day. Probably, then, the families of these children have a better day because everyone is kinder to one another. Soon, families, whole communities, towns and cities will respond to being treated with kindness. Eventually, everyone in the world will have a better day resulting from the kindness that they have received from another.

Megan's solution to the problem of world peace is that everyone should wear socks to bed, sleep peacefully and wake up with gratitude and kindness in their heart. Now we go to bed in the winter wearing "world peace socks."

Megan is 14 years old, and has been wearing “world peace socks” to bed for the last six years. I am touched by the absolute clarity of her vision, and her ability to see the big picture at such a young age.

First, she recognizes the value of self care. By keeping her feet warm, Megan experiences a healthy night’s sleep, and says she is a better person for it. When she feels better, she becomes a better self, and just naturally exerts a healing influence on those around her.

Secondly, her vision is a lesson in kindness and gratitude. Megan’s story reminds me that one smile or one kind remark can send healing ripples to places we can’t begin to fathom. This is Health Ministry practice in its finest and deepest form.

I urge you to seize the opportunity in this New Year to be intentional about self-care, and about spreading kindness and gratitude as a spiritual practice. It truly can begin to heal the world. It can start with one person, and maybe a pair of world peace socks.

The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids

Update from the Executive Director
William V. Corr, Executive Director of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids

The numbers are disturbing. Tobacco use remains the number one preventable cause of death in the U.S. And unfortunately, more children are taking up the habit everyday. Today, 2.7 million children under 18 are smokers. Each day, roughly 4,000 kids will try their first cigarette and another 1,000 kids will become new, regular, daily smokers.

The faith community simply cannot ignore this tragedy because we spend too much time burying mothers, fathers, sisters, and brothers who die because they became addicted to tobacco products when they were young.

Now Congress has an historic opportunity to protect children and save lives. The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (S. 625 and H.R.1108) is bipartisan legislation that would give the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authority over tobacco products and their marketing. While this legislation would help protect all Americans from the ravages of tobacco, it includes specific provisions to protect our nation’s children from this deadly addiction.

Among other things, the proposed legislation would ban outdoor advertising near schools, remove advertising with colorful pictures that appeal to children from stores and from magazines with high youth readership, and put larger, more effective warning labels on the cigarette packs themselves.

The bill’s strong, effective restrictions on advertising and marketing of tobacco products to children strike at the very heart of the tobacco industry business model. A lifetime addiction almost always starts in the teenage years: 90 percent of adult smokers began smoking as teens. Any attempt to limit the national epidemic of tobacco addiction must begin with children. If the tobacco companies do not recruit kids to smoke, they lose a huge portion of their market.

By passing the Family Smoking Prevention and Control Act, Congress can take a major step to protect our children and reduce the terrible toll of tobacco on our community. You can do something really important for our children and families by contacting your members of Congress and telling them to vote for S. 625 and H.R.1108. It will protect families and save lives.

Network Updates

Fixin' the Whole World
Rev. Sheryl S. Cross, RN, MSN, M.Div.
Clergy/Chaplain Network Chair

puzzle We have just celebrated the holidays when songs of peace and goodwill filled the air. Yet here we are now at the start of another year faced with the dilemma of how are we to live into these extraordinary images of promise and hope? As caregivers and healers, what gifts can we offer to our brothers and sisters whose world and sense of security as they knew it is suddenly unrecognizable because of a new diagnosis of life-threatening illness…or the agonizing reality of a divorce…or the announcement of a lay-off without likely recall to employment? These are but a few scenarios that can challenge the very foundations of one’s being and remove any chances of going back to the way it used to be.

As ministers of health, whether serving as chaplains, pastors, faith community nurses, health educators, lay health promoters, faculty, therapists, or physicians, we have opportunities each day to act as “mid-wives” in the birthing of a new reality for one individual at a time. As coaches and mentors, we are present to acknowledge and help manage the pain of the process of major life transitions and to encourage and keep the focus on that which is to come….the hopes, promises, and possibilities as we look toward making our world whole again.

Rabbi Aaron Benjamin Bisno in his book, Repairing the Fabric tells the story of a young student who found a large map of the world in the newspaper. Curious, the student took the map to his teacher. Seeing an opportunity to challenge the student, the teacher took the map of the globe and tore it into many, many pieces. Fragments of paper fell to the floor at the student’s feet. Handing over a roll of tape, the teacher challenged the student to reassemble the map of the world and then returned to his work.

The student dropped to the floor and, in short order, completed the assignment by correctly taping together each of the pieces of the whole of the world. Where only minutes before the image of the world we believed we had known so well was torn asunder, and strewn across the floor, now it was being offered up as an intact whole.

When the teacher asked the student how it had been possible to reassemble the fragmented world so quickly, the response was short and to the point: “There was a picture of a person on the back side. I repaired that one person and the whole world got fixed too.”

Let us remember as we encounter each individual that graces our pathway, promoting the wellness and healing of that one person is working to bring about wholeness and peace for all of the world and creation as well. May you and your particular place and ways of ministry be blessed and fruitful into this New Year!

HMA Chapters
Susan Carson, RN
Chapter Development Chair

Greetings. I would like to thank you for giving me the opportunity to represent the Chapters of HMA across these beautiful United States. We are indeed a diverse group, with Chapters in urban, suburban and rural areas. Chapters are the cornerstone for networking in any organization and many exciting things are happening on a local level for HMA through the work of our Chapters. It is my desire to highlight some of the things Chapters are involved in this newsletter, HMA Today. I will be contacting Chapter representatives for ideas on how to enhance strategies to improve communication between the Chapters. I had an opportunity to meet representatives from 10 different HMA Chapters at the Chapter Representatives meeting in San Antonio, and also people from 5 regions not yet represented by a Chapter. I heard your stories, both exciting and frustrating. I will not pretend to have all the answers, but as we continue to work together, answers will become clear. It is also my intention that no member should feel as though they are alone. If there is no Chapter where you are, I encourage you to contact someone close to where you are, or venture out and contact someone across the country. Join in email conversations that hopefully will start happening soon. HMA is your membership organization, and your participation helps define who and what we are.

Quarterly Chapter Highlight- The Central California "CCVS" Chapter has sent a survey to its local members, both past and present, and other networking contacts to see how they are doing in promoting the Faith and Health movement. Just like surveying our faith communities for both needs and assets, Chapters should regularly check in with their members and potential members. Who knows, you may find a new member or leader in the making, with new and wonderful ideas and energy to share.

I welcome your ideas and comments and I am looking forward to receiving your annual reports. In the next HMA Today, I will publish a review of Chapter activities for 2007. Maybe you can get ideas for your Chapter from activities that others have participated in. Remember, Chapter Reports are due January 31st and are considered delinquent March 1st.

I look forward to meeting many of you at the National Conference in Irvine, CA June 12-15, 2008. Until then, I can most easily be reached via email at Susan.Carson@chw.edu.

Blessings and Joy to each of you.

Connecting Faith and Health Today, Building Practice
and Research Tomorrow
La Vaida Owens-White, MSN, RN
Faith Community Nurse Network Chair

Grace and peace to you in this New Year! How did time go so quickly? It seems just a short time ago that we were “Navigating the River through Health Ministries Healing Waters” in San Antonio, Texas. Then, suddenly, here we are, preparing to share “The Healing Power of Gratitude” in our 19th Annual Conference in Irvine, CA. Perhaps, we were caught unaware by the preoccupation of planning strategies to address the issues of obesity and tobacco use as health initiatives. The unanimous decision to take a collaborative, participatory approach to reduce obesity and tobacco-related disease and illnesses was truly exciting!

The question of how could we as nurses, demonstrate our economic value to society was answered by unifying our efforts in a HMA health promotion project. Faith Community Nurses (FCNs) would be able to show evidence of significant population-wide improvements in health outcomes through nutrition, physical activity and tobacco cessation programs. The activities and interventions of FCNs would then be translated into dollar values through cost savings and decreasing overall health care costs. We already have the means to collect and document the cost of preventive/early intervention care versus the cost of urgent or acute care. It has been said by many, “If we want more evidence-based practices, we need more practice-based evidence.”

I’d like to share two national programs addressing obesity and tobacco use in your practice setting for consideration: The BodyWorks Program is an obesity prevention program from the Office of Women’s Health designed to help parents and caregivers improve family eating and activity habits. It is free and offers a toolkit for a 10 week program. Not-On-Tobacco (N-O-T) is a teen smoking cessation program by the American Lung Association, designed to reduce tobacco-related health conditions. Also, the American Legacy Foundation develops programs that address the health effects of tobacco use through grants, technical assistance and training.

We began our health initiatives with the goal of combining knowledge and action for social change. Your input is vital to the framework of this project for implementation, evaluation and research development. Please, let us know what you are doing in your ministry and any ideas you may have.

California Here We Come …..
JoVeta K. Wescott, RN, MSHA
Program Coordinator Network Chair

Once again the holiday season is behind us. We either accomplished everything we wanted to or we didn’t. It came and went regardless of how proficient we were.

However, I’m feeling like it is the Advent season again – a season of preparing, staying alert and waiting anxiously for the big day to come. Conference is coming: The Healing Power of Gratitude. The presenters have been selected, the brochure is getting close to the print stage, celebrations are being planned. The members of the Annual Conference Planning Committee are anxiously awaiting for each of you to join us. There will be some different things this year but enough of the old that you’ll know you got to the right place. It’s like buying a few new ornaments for the tree but continuing to put the old ones on year after year.

Jean Watson and Bob Emmons will be our keynote speakers. We have an awesome slate of pre-conferences and conference workshops. Find out where we are with the credentialing process, how to start a health ministry program, the nurse as spiritual director, rural concerns, extra time with Sign Chi Do, and many other exciting topics.

The “new” ornament in Irvine will be the introduction of “Health Forums” instead of network meetings. We’ll have other, more intimate, ways for the networks to connect with each other. Excitement builds as the day gets closer.

If you are interested in presenting a poster at the conference please go to the website (www.hmassoc.org) and see how simple it is to do. The best way to really feel part of the conference is to share with others and doing a poster is a good way to connect.

All you chaplains, lay health ministers, faculty, faith community nurses ---I’m also looking for some of the Best Practices in the country. Please e-mail me with your suggestions and ideas. (jwescott5@cox.net)

Not only should you mark your calendars now but make sure you can get off work. Also, start talking to your friends so everyone can meet in Irvine, CA for fun, networking, and spiritual nourishment.

Most important as we prepare for our time together is to pray and give it to God. Our efforts are about glorifying Him. Please join in praying – with gratitude. We are connected in so many ways. Please accept the invitation to be part of HMA fully and completely.

Member News

National Council of Churches Seeks HMA Member Input

survey The National Council of Churches recently published a report about the extent of health ministry programs within congregations. The report is entitled ‘Congregational Health Ministry Survey Report.’ Additional data is being sought on this issue. As a HMA member, you can help! If you have not already done so, please participate in this survey. The survey can be found on the website http://www.churchstatistics.org/survey/?sid=1

Thanks for participating in this important survey which will provide additional supportive data to governing and funding organizations about the importance of health ministry programs.

People of Faith Working Together for Healthier Communities | www.hmassoc.org

Contents Beauty Beyond the Barriers Carol M. Vos RN, MSN, FCN Letter from the President Update FCN Credentialing Task Force HMA's Vision Healthier Communties Tobacco-Free Kids HMA is Taking Initatives From the HMA Vice President A Pair of World Peace Socks The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids Update from the Executive Director Network Update Fix in' the Whole World HMA Chapters Connecting Faith and Health Today Building Practice and Research Tomorrow California Here We Come... Member News National Council of Churches Seeks HMA Member Input HMA Staff Info Executive Committee Sonja Simpson President RN, MSN, FCN Ameldia Brown Secretary Ronnette Sailors Vice President Past President Peggy Matteson Board Chairs Susan Carson RN Development Chair Carmella Jones RN, BSN, MA Membership Chair Alyson Breish RN, MSN Practice & Education Chair Mary Jo Bay RN Resources Chair Sheryl Stansil Batten RN C MSN Network Chair - Lay Health Minister Network Rev. Sheryl S. Cross RN, MSN, M.Div. Network Chairs - Clergy/Chaplains Network Chairs - Faculty Carol Vos BSN MSN Network Chairs - Health Education Reverend Donna Cassity RN, MA, M.Div. LaVaida Owens-White MSN, RN Network Chairs - Faith Community Nursing JoVeta K. Wescott RN, MSHA Network Chairs - Program Coordinator Marilyn D. Harris RN, MSN, CNAA, BC, FAAN Network Chairs - Public Relations Norma K. Small PhD, RN Appointed Ad hoc Positions Archivist/Parliamentarian William R. Parker MSN, RN Appointed Ad Hoc Positions Web Site Coordinator Lynne Roy RN, MSN, APRN, BC, FCN Appointed Ad Hoc Positions Editor - HMA Today Staff Ethan Gray Executive Director Jo Veta Wescott MSHA Continuing Education Coordinator	Winter 2008 Beauty Beyond the Barriers Carol M. Vos RN, MSN, FCN Faculty Network Chair Imagine if you will, a man making his way up a mountain, at the top of which is a precipice overlooking a magnificent view. The path he has chosen is resplendent with scenic foliage but challenging with its rocky terrain, steep slope and scattered fallen trees which force unexpected detours. He knows it will take several exhausting hours to reach the summit but still remains committed. Midway through his trek, however, he feels tired and overwhelmed by what lies ahead. Briefly, he considers turning back to take the alternate path to his destination. He reasons that with its straight and level roads he will reach the peak sooner but also realizes that the view along the way by comparison will be mundane. In the end, he decides to stay the course inspired on by the vision of beauty that awaits him. Arriving at the summit, later than originally planned, tired, dirty and tattered, he raises his arms in sweet victory and greets an incomparable sunset over rolling hills and splendid waters. He proclaims the journey a success and reflects on the many obstacles surmounted, the majesty of nature encountered along the way, and the joy of reaching the pinnacle of his dreams. Those who teach about the intricacies and blessings of health ministry can often feel like sojourners who have chosen that steeply sloped and winding path replete with barriers and disappointments. Cumbersome financial restraints, limited personnel resources, disdain from misunderstanding colleagues, and jags of self-doubt can weigh one down enough to consider a change in course, an easier route. But, through prayer and spiritual reflection we can begin to hear the whispers that invite us to look at the loveliness in our midst, and stay the course. The colorful foliage represents the many people we meet and serve along the way. The rolling hills and splendid waters are the friends and family who understand and support us through trials and tribulations. And while the pinnacle of our dreams may be off in the distance, victory is sure to come to those intent on looking for the beauty beyond the barriers. Letter from the President Update FCN Credentialing Task Force Sonja Simpson, RN, MSN, FCN HMA President The FCN Credentialing Task Force continues to meet and work on developing the process for optional credentialing. Since the method that will be used is not a quantitative test, the process of development is arduous and requires careful thought. I would like to share the latest in where we are with the process. The process will be an on-line process. ANCC has a contract with Decision Critical to develop the template for on-line submission. The process will be optional and a fee has not yet been established. The requirements for candidacy are in the final stages of decision making. There will be a period of time where there will not be a degree requirement. This will allow those who do not have a college degree to apply and be “grandfathered” in. The various pieces of required material have not been finalized but will most likely include: a resume, letters of support, peer evaluation, narrative of the candidate’s spiritual journey, evidence based case studies and a description of the faith community in which the FCN works. Details related to these requirements (and others) will be further described in a more formal way through written materials and workshops that will be presented at both the HMA annual conference and the Westberg Symposium. There will be a period of time where those who successfully complete the process will be known as ’recognized’. Later, the term ‘certified’ will be used. Developing a new method of credentialing known as the portfolio process requires a period of validity and reliability testing. This is to be certain the process is not subjective and meets criteria for objective and professional competency testing. Three of the Task Force members spent 2 days in December with ANCC staff, reviewing work to date and discussing what steps need to be taken to complete the project. Criteria for evaluators and the process of application to be an evaluator is yet to be developed. The FCN Credentialing Task Force members are likened to content experts….content experts are used to develop test questions for exams. The development of the FCN Credentialing Process is an arduous one, requiring much thought. The process requires validation that every candidate is meeting each of the FCN Nursing Standards. Thanks to all for your patience as we continue to unfold the process. If you have any questions related to this, please contact Sonja Simpson at simpsonrl@charter.net HMA's Vision Healthier Communities David Young, DVM, MS, PhD, CRC Chair, Rural Health Ministry Initiative (RHMI) Task Force As members of the faith community we are called, gifted and sent into a broken, wounded and hurting world – a world hi-jacked by ‘isms’ – consumerism, materialism, hedonism, racism and sexism. A world of hi-tech in need of hi-touch. Never before has the need for an organization like HMA been so great. According to a recent on-line poll conducted by CarePages /www.carepages.com, a large majority of respondents identified empathy and compassion to be lacking in our health care system. A total of 92% wished their doctors and nurses would be more proactive in providing emotional support and 99% said they believe emotional support can have a positive effect on the healing process. Empathy and compassion are foundational pillars of HMA as an organization of ‘People of Faith Working Together for Healthier Communities.’ The role of community was very evident at the 2007 National Prevention & Health Promotion Summit held November 27-29, 2007, in Washington, DC. The Summit, "Creating a Culture of Wellness", was sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the US Dept of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The goal of the Summit was to create a culture of wellness by: Facilitating the development of a shared public health agenda focused on prevention to guide the work of professionals at the federal, state, territory, tribal and community levels; Exploring innovations in science and policy that support engaging in regular physical activity, eating a healthy diet, taking advantage of appropriate medical screenings, making healthy choices to avoid risky behaviors, and other healthy practices; Fostering multidisciplinary approaches to put prevention principles into practice; Investigating how changes in health literacy, culture, communications and technology challenge how we reach, engage, educate and influence target audiences in their health and lifestyle decisions. Overall, the Summit underscored the well-established fact that individual health and community health are inseparable. Keynote speaker, Dr. Leland R. Kaiser, emphasized the fact that we cannot separate individual health from community health– they are transactual - affecting each other. A healthy person living in an unhealthy environment will not stay healthy for very long. What is around us affects us healthwise. According to Dr. Kaiser, the magic words of the future are ‘convene’ and ‘connect’. He said we need to develop incentives to create partnerships that empower people to design high-impact therapeutic environments and healthier communities. Interestingly, faith-based organizations are in a strategic position to play a key role at this threshold point because they have been gifted with the innate power to ‘convene’ and ‘connect’ people and organizations in our communities. The Summit plenary and concurrent sessions (eight in tandem at each of seven different sessions) and 64 poster presentations, covered the full spectrum of 'Creating a Culture of Wellness' - including, but not limited to teen health promotion; looking ahead to Healthy People 2020; obesity in children, adults and across the lifespan; mental health and co-morbidities with depression; adapting health education materials; health enhancing interventions in the workplace; community-based partnerships for health promotion; risk factors and improved screening; promoting school health; promoting wellness for people with disabilities; educating policymakers; recovery from substance abuse; community health informatics innovations; motivating small communities through microfinancing; chronic disease management; and many more. The 2007 Summit attendance maxed out at 1100+ attendees with many on a waiting list in case of cancellations. More than 1,540 joined the sessions from 393 distinct locations for LIVE Webcast sessions, and another 2,745 (from 427 locations) watched some portion of the replays. In the near future, enhanced versions of the plenary sessions and of three of the concurrent sessions will become available in a Free, On-Demand Archive at: www.wellness07.com For more information about the Summit, the main website is at: www.cdc.gov/cochp/conference/ The full Summit Program Book is at: www.cdc.gov/cochp/conference/pdfs/program_book.pdf Selected Sessions from the 2007 Summit are available electronically at the "Summit On-demand" Library at: www.wellness07.com/indexB.htm Tobacco-Free Kids HMA is Taking Initiatives Marilyn D. Harris, RN, MSN, CNAA,BC, FAAN Public Relations Network Chair The Health Ministries Association (HMA) is a partner in several initiatives that are important to members. These partnerships provide resources for HMA members and the faith communities they serve and HMA members are important resources for these organizations. Several of these initiatives are: Faith United Against Tobacco (FUAT). Vinnie DeMarco, Coordinator, FUAT, (demarco@mdinitiative.org) (410-235-9000) and Patricia Sosa, Vice President, Constituency Relations (psosa@tobaccofreekids.org) (202-296-5469) are key contacts for these initiatives. Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids-Kick Butts Day (KBD). April 2, 2008 will be the 13th annual KBD, an annual celebration of youth leadership and activism. The Campaign and its partners recognize that tobacco products are deadly, and that the tobacco industry spends more than $15.4 billion per year, more that $42 million per day, to market and advertise its products, much of it aimed at kids. KBD not only serves as a chance to educate kids of all ages about the dangers of tobacco, but also acts as an opportunity for youth advocates to take matters into their own hands and achieve real results in the field of tobacco prevention, control and education. In 2007, nearly 2,000 events across all 50 states generated hundreds of television, newspaper and radio stories reaching more than 20 million viewers. You can order your free Kick Butts Day Guide and register events at www.kickbuttsday.org. Visit the “Activities” section of the web site for additional materials that are only available in the KBD online activity guide. A related article in this newsletter by William V. Core, Executive Director of the Campaign for TFKs, provides current information about The Family Smoking Preventions and Tobacco Control Act (S.625 and H.R. 1108). AstraZeneca Patient Assistance Program. This program has a new name: AZ&Me(tm) Prescription Savings program for people without insurance. This program will continue to provide AstraZeneca medicines at no cost to qualifying patients delivered directly to the home or doctor’s office. This name change will not affect current patient’s enrollment in the program in any way. Information on a new application is available at the updated web site at www.azandme.com or 1-800-292-6363 to start the enrolment process via phone. From the HMA Vice President A Pair of World Peace Socks Ronnette Sailors, RN, BSN HMA Vice President My friend, Mary Eileen Andreasen, related the following story to me one day. I was so moved I made her write it down: Before bed, my daughter Megan and I have a ritual. We have "reading club" in my bed. Both of us grab a book and read for about 45 minutes. Together. Silently. It's a cozy bonding time. One night during the winter, after reading club, Megan announced that she doesn't sleep well when her feet are cold. She said that if she wears socks to bed, she sleeps more soundly, wakes up refreshed and has a better day. She extrapolated further...... she said that when she has a better day, she is kinder to her classmates and thus, classmates and teachers both have a better day. Probably, then, the families of these children have a better day because everyone is kinder to one another. Soon, families, whole communities, towns and cities will respond to being treated with kindness. Eventually, everyone in the world will have a better day resulting from the kindness that they have received from another. Megan's solution to the problem of world peace is that everyone should wear socks to bed, sleep peacefully and wake up with gratitude and kindness in their heart. Now we go to bed in the winter wearing "world peace socks." Megan is 14 years old, and has been wearing “world peace socks” to bed for the last six years. I am touched by the absolute clarity of her vision, and her ability to see the big picture at such a young age. First, she recognizes the value of self care. By keeping her feet warm, Megan experiences a healthy night’s sleep, and says she is a better person for it. When she feels better, she becomes a better self, and just naturally exerts a healing influence on those around her. Secondly, her vision is a lesson in kindness and gratitude. Megan’s story reminds me that one smile or one kind remark can send healing ripples to places we can’t begin to fathom. This is Health Ministry practice in its finest and deepest form. I urge you to seize the opportunity in this New Year to be intentional about self-care, and about spreading kindness and gratitude as a spiritual practice. It truly can begin to heal the world. It can start with one person, and maybe a pair of world peace socks. The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids Update from the Executive Director *William V. Corr, Executive Director of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids* The numbers are disturbing. Tobacco use remains the number one preventable cause of death in the U.S. And unfortunately, more children are taking up the habit everyday. Today, 2.7 million children under 18 are smokers. Each day, roughly 4,000 kids will try their first cigarette and another 1,000 kids will become new, regular, daily smokers. The faith community simply cannot ignore this tragedy because we spend too much time burying mothers, fathers, sisters, and brothers who die because they became addicted to tobacco products when they were young. Now Congress has an historic opportunity to protect children and save lives. The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (S. 625 and H.R.1108) is bipartisan legislation that would give the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authority over tobacco products and their marketing. While this legislation would help protect all Americans from the ravages of tobacco, it includes specific provisions to protect our nation’s children from this deadly addiction. Among other things, the proposed legislation would ban outdoor advertising near schools, remove advertising with colorful pictures that appeal to children from stores and from magazines with high youth readership, and put larger, more effective warning labels on the cigarette packs themselves. The bill’s strong, effective restrictions on advertising and marketing of tobacco products to children strike at the very heart of the tobacco industry business model. A lifetime addiction almost always starts in the teenage years: 90 percent of adult smokers began smoking as teens. Any attempt to limit the national epidemic of tobacco addiction must begin with children. If the tobacco companies do not recruit kids to smoke, they lose a huge portion of their market. By passing the Family Smoking Prevention and Control Act, Congress can take a major step to protect our children and reduce the terrible toll of tobacco on our community. You can do something really important for our children and families by contacting your members of Congress and telling them to vote for S. 625 and H.R.1108. It will protect families and save lives. Network Updates Fixin' the Whole World Rev. Sheryl S. Cross, RN, MSN, M.Div. Clergy/Chaplain Network Chair We have just celebrated the holidays when songs of peace and goodwill filled the air. Yet here we are now at the start of another year faced with the dilemma of how are we to live into these extraordinary images of promise and hope? As caregivers and healers, what gifts can we offer to our brothers and sisters whose world and sense of security as they knew it is suddenly unrecognizable because of a new diagnosis of life-threatening illness…or the agonizing reality of a divorce…or the announcement of a lay-off without likely recall to employment? These are but a few scenarios that can challenge the very foundations of one’s being and remove any chances of going back to the way it used to be. As ministers of health, whether serving as chaplains, pastors, faith community nurses, health educators, lay health promoters, faculty, therapists, or physicians, we have opportunities each day to act as “mid-wives” in the birthing of a new reality for one individual at a time. As coaches and mentors, we are present to acknowledge and help manage the pain of the process of major life transitions and to encourage and keep the focus on that which is to come….the hopes, promises, and possibilities as we look toward making our world whole again. Rabbi Aaron Benjamin Bisno in his book, Repairing the Fabric tells the story of a young student who found a large map of the world in the newspaper. Curious, the student took the map to his teacher. Seeing an opportunity to challenge the student, the teacher took the map of the globe and tore it into many, many pieces. Fragments of paper fell to the floor at the student’s feet. Handing over a roll of tape, the teacher challenged the student to reassemble the map of the world and then returned to his work. The student dropped to the floor and, in short order, completed the assignment by correctly taping together each of the pieces of the whole of the world. Where only minutes before the image of the world we believed we had known so well was torn asunder, and strewn across the floor, now it was being offered up as an intact whole. When the teacher asked the student how it had been possible to reassemble the fragmented world so quickly, the response was short and to the point: “There was a picture of a person on the back side. I repaired that one person and the whole world got fixed too.” Let us remember as we encounter each individual that graces our pathway, promoting the wellness and healing of that one person is working to bring about wholeness and peace for all of the world and creation as well. May you and your particular place and ways of ministry be blessed and fruitful into this New Year! HMA Chapters Susan Carson, RN Chapter Development Chair Greetings. I would like to thank you for giving me the opportunity to represent the Chapters of HMA across these beautiful United States. We are indeed a diverse group, with Chapters in urban, suburban and rural areas. Chapters are the cornerstone for networking in any organization and many exciting things are happening on a local level for HMA through the work of our Chapters. It is my desire to highlight some of the things Chapters are involved in this newsletter, HMA Today. I will be contacting Chapter representatives for ideas on how to enhance strategies to improve communication between the Chapters. I had an opportunity to meet representatives from 10 different HMA Chapters at the Chapter Representatives meeting in San Antonio, and also people from 5 regions not yet represented by a Chapter. I heard your stories, both exciting and frustrating. I will not pretend to have all the answers, but as we continue to work together, answers will become clear. It is also my intention that no member should feel as though they are alone. If there is no Chapter where you are, I encourage you to contact someone close to where you are, or venture out and contact someone across the country. Join in email conversations that hopefully will start happening soon. HMA is your membership organization, and your participation helps define who and what we are. Quarterly Chapter Highlight- The Central California "CCVS" Chapter has sent a survey to its local members, both past and present, and other networking contacts to see how they are doing in promoting the Faith and Health movement. Just like surveying our faith communities for both needs and assets, Chapters should regularly check in with their members and potential members. Who knows, you may find a new member or leader in the making, with new and wonderful ideas and energy to share. I welcome your ideas and comments and I am looking forward to receiving your annual reports. In the next HMA Today, I will publish a review of Chapter activities for 2007. Maybe you can get ideas for your Chapter from activities that others have participated in. Remember, Chapter Reports are due January 31st and are considered delinquent March 1st. I look forward to meeting many of you at the National Conference in Irvine, CA June 12-15, 2008. Until then, I can most easily be reached via email at Susan.Carson@chw.edu. Blessings and Joy to each of you. Connecting Faith and Health Today, Building Practice and Research Tomorrow La Vaida Owens-White, MSN, RN Faith Community Nurse Network Chair Grace and peace to you in this New Year! How did time go so quickly? It seems just a short time ago that we were “Navigating the River through Health Ministries Healing Waters” in San Antonio, Texas. Then, suddenly, here we are, preparing to share “The Healing Power of Gratitude” in our 19th Annual Conference in Irvine, CA. Perhaps, we were caught unaware by the preoccupation of planning strategies to address the issues of obesity and tobacco use as health initiatives. The unanimous decision to take a collaborative, participatory approach to reduce obesity and tobacco-related disease and illnesses was truly exciting! The question of how could we as nurses, demonstrate our economic value to society was answered by unifying our efforts in a HMA health promotion project. Faith Community Nurses (FCNs) would be able to show evidence of significant population-wide improvements in health outcomes through nutrition, physical activity and tobacco cessation programs. The activities and interventions of FCNs would then be translated into dollar values through cost savings and decreasing overall health care costs. We already have the means to collect and document the cost of preventive/early intervention care versus the cost of urgent or acute care. It has been said by many, “If we want more evidence-based practices, we need more practice-based evidence.” I’d like to share two national programs addressing obesity and tobacco use in your practice setting for consideration: The BodyWorks Program is an obesity prevention program from the Office of Women’s Health designed to help parents and caregivers improve family eating and activity habits. It is free and offers a toolkit for a 10 week program. Not-On-Tobacco (N-O-T) is a teen smoking cessation program by the American Lung Association, designed to reduce tobacco-related health conditions. Also, the American Legacy Foundation develops programs that address the health effects of tobacco use through grants, technical assistance and training. We began our health initiatives with the goal of combining knowledge and action for social change. Your input is vital to the framework of this project for implementation, evaluation and research development. Please, let us know what you are doing in your ministry and any ideas you may have. California Here We Come ….. JoVeta K. Wescott, RN, MSHA Program Coordinator Network Chair Once again the holiday season is behind us. We either accomplished everything we wanted to or we didn’t. It came and went regardless of how proficient we were. However, I’m feeling like it is the Advent season again – a season of preparing, staying alert and waiting anxiously for the big day to come. Conference is coming: The Healing Power of Gratitude. The presenters have been selected, the brochure is getting close to the print stage, celebrations are being planned. The members of the Annual Conference Planning Committee are anxiously awaiting for each of you to join us. There will be some different things this year but enough of the old that you’ll know you got to the right place. It’s like buying a few new ornaments for the tree but continuing to put the old ones on year after year. Jean Watson and Bob Emmons will be our keynote speakers. We have an awesome slate of pre-conferences and conference workshops. Find out where we are with the credentialing process, how to start a health ministry program, the nurse as spiritual director, rural concerns, extra time with Sign Chi Do, and many other exciting topics. The “new” ornament in Irvine will be the introduction of “Health Forums” instead of network meetings. We’ll have other, more intimate, ways for the networks to connect with each other. Excitement builds as the day gets closer. If you are interested in presenting a poster at the conference please go to the website (www.hmassoc.org) and see how simple it is to do. The best way to really feel part of the conference is to share with others and doing a poster is a good way to connect. All you chaplains, lay health ministers, faculty, faith community nurses ---I’m also looking for some of the Best Practices in the country. Please e-mail me with your suggestions and ideas. (jwescott5@cox.net) Not only should you mark your calendars now but make sure you can get off work. Also, start talking to your friends so everyone can meet in Irvine, CA for fun, networking, and spiritual nourishment. Most important as we prepare for our time together is to pray and give it to God. Our efforts are about glorifying Him. Please join in praying – with gratitude. We are connected in so many ways. Please accept the invitation to be part of HMA fully and completely. Member News National Council of Churches Seeks HMA Member Input The National Council of Churches recently published a report about the extent of health ministry programs within congregations. The report is entitled ‘Congregational Health Ministry Survey Report.’ Additional data is being sought on this issue. As a HMA member, you can help! If you have not already done so, please participate in this survey. The survey can be found on the website http://www.churchstatistics.org/survey/?sid=1 Thanks for participating in this important survey which will provide additional supportive data to governing and funding organizations about the importance of health ministry programs.
People of Faith Working Together for Healthier Communities \| www.hmassoc.org

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Contents

Winter 2008

Beauty Beyond the Barriers