By Emily Viverette

In late 2014, a group of seven passionate individuals from across North Carolina became the first FaithHealth Fellows. Funded by a Kate B. Reynolds grant, this group meets quarterly over two years with a small group of facilitators from the division of FaithHealth Ministries of Wake Forest Baptist Health.

The Fellowship serves to build capacity through coaching, cohort peer learning, exposure to other similar initiatives and a grounding in the conceptual frameworks of the faith and health movement. As pioneers in this statewide movement, these fellows and facilitators are developing a learning community where ideas, insights, hopes and dreams are expanded and explored.

FaithHealth Fellows will continue to be agents of transformation in their local communities, addressing the social determinants of health to reduce health disparities and lower the cost of healthcare. They will deepen their skills and knowledge as resource people to faith and place-based population health collaboration of diverse partners. They will expand their capacities to serve as liaisons, navigators, translators and trusted collaborators between health systems, faith communities and larger community. 

Community Leaders

Each individual chosen was already a leader in FaithHealth in his or her community long before an affiliation with the Fellows program. They bring a variety of gifts, life experiences and community ties that enrich the depth and learning of the group. They have demonstrated passion for building community and compassion for community and the individual health journey. Their trustworthy nature and their love for people and their communities made them obvious choices for this cohort.

During the January meeting, the Fellows visited the Wilkes Health Foundation and met at one of the Fellows’ cabin in Ashe County to discuss evaluation, metrics and asset mapping. They enjoyed rich sharing and conversation and even a few snow flurries.

The Current FaithHealth Fellows are:

• Annika Archie, Coordinator, Supporters of Health, WFBH in Winston-Salem
• Dean Carter, Coordinator, Department of Pastoral Care, Southeastern Regional Medical Center in Lumberton
• Melanie Childers, Director of Pastoral Care, Watauga Medical Center in Boone
• Philip Long, Regional Manager, Volunteer Services and Pastoral Care – East, Mission Health in Marion
• Lisa Marisiddaiah, Coordinator, Faith and Health Ministry, CaroMont Health in Gastonia
• Helen Milleson, CAP/Community Case Manager, Randolph Hospital
• Dennis Stamper, Chaplain, Blue Ridge Healthcare in Morganton