Catawba Valley Health System (CVHS) this month is launching FaithHealth Catawba, a dynamic partnership between the faith community, health system and other community partners focused on improving health of underserved local citizens.

FaithHealth mobilizes congregations and volunteers from the community, offering ministry and advocacy to those in need. Support is provided before, during and/or after hospitalization. Volunteers make home visits, provide emotional and spiritual support and help with other needs as appropriate.

FaithHealth Catawba is part of a larger network, FaithHealthNC, whose goal is to improve health by getting people to the right door at the right time, ready to be treated, not alone. This network includes over 489 congregations and over 685 trained volunteers. FaithHealth combines the caring strength of congregations, the expertise of healthcare providers and a network of community resources. All partners are linked in a shared mission of healing.

“We want to build partnerships with existing social structures and serve our community members through advocacy,” said Honey Estrada, Health First Center Coordinator at CVHS and organizer of the local effort. “I am excited about what this program will bring to our community, the lives we will touch and the success we will see.”

Carolyn Thompson, CVHS Faith Community Nurse, added “I see a daily need for many of the community members of our local population to have an advocate, especially in matters of their health and well-being. Our faith community encounters these citizens on a regular basis. FaithHealth allows a structure whereby the faith community and other local partners can help connect these citizens to the resources they need.”

For more information about FaithHealth Catawba, contact Honey Estrada at[email protected] or 828.485.2300, extension 6201. You may also visit www.catawbavalleyhealth.org/Medical-Center/Health-Wellness/FaithHealth-Catawba