Brenda Barton knows all too well the difficulty and stress of balancing a full-time job with caring for an elderly mother and a sick husband. If it hadn’t been for her church family at First Baptist in Lexington, she admits there were times when their care could have suffered.
“My church has been my FaithHealthNC,” she said. “There were times due to scheduling conflicts when I simply couldn’t get them to doctors’ appointments or run needed errands. It meant so much to know that there were people in my corner willing to step up and help.”
It was this experience along with a desire to help others that motivated Barton to be one of the first to complete training as a FaithHealthNC Congregational Care Coordinator. After finishing eight hours of training which covered such topics as compassion, caregiving skills, privacy and hospital etiquette, she is anxious to use her skills to help others navigate a complicated heath care system. At present, about 50 people are enrolled in training to become Congregational Care Coordinators. Another round of classes began October 1 at Meadowview Presbyterian Church in Lexington.
The completion of training for the first round of Congregational Care Coordinators marks the official launch of FaithHealthNC in Lexington. FaithHealthNC is a partnership between faith communities, Wake Forest Medical Center, Lexington Medical Center and other health care providers focused on improving health. The partnerships are built on trust, combining the caring strengths of congregations, the clinical expertise of Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Lexington Medical Center and a network of community resources. Presently, eleven Lexington churches have signed covenants to participate in the FaithHealthNC initiative with others expected to join.
The local FaithHealthNC initiative is guided by Rev. Coley Rimmer, Health Care Liaison, and the Rev. Dr. Lee Dukes, Pastoral Care Director at Lexington Medical Center. They echoed excitement at the official launch of the program which puts trained Congregational Care Coordinators in action. “We have boots on the ground,” said Rimmer. “These volunteers will provide support for fellow church members and neighbors before, during and after hospitalization.”
Participating clergy and their congregations assign volunteers, known as Congregational Care Coordinators, to facilitate supportive health care ministries for their fellow church members and neighbors. When illness strikes, the volunteers at the request of the individual, spring into action to assist in any way needed. Help could be in the form of assisting during hospitalization as a second set of ears and eyes when consulting with physicians about an appropriate plan of care. It could also mean helping to navigate and resolve confusing health insurance issues or linking them with needed community resources. Post discharge, Congregational Care Coordinators help to arrange transportation to and from doctor’s visits, ensure the availability of adequate nutrition and prescription medication, and help to create a safe home environment.
Barton can’t wait to get started. “I have worked in the health care industry for many years, and I have seen a lot of pain and frustration,’ she said. “I know what it’s like, because I have been there. I want to be there for those who have no one to turn to, no one to call when a problem arises.”
