Wilkes County FaithHealthNC Launched. The initiative was launched before a crowd of civic and congregational leaders on December 12. The Wilkes Journal-Patriot reports that the effort is a collaboration between the Wilkes Regional Medical Center, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, congregations and community groups. The Health Foundation’s Heather Murphy is quoted in article, “We know that there are more than 300 churches in our county. We need to bring these churches together to improve the health of our citizens.”
Director of FaithHealthNC, Chris Gambill, told the gathering:
“We care for our neighbors because God cares for us. We want to have a chain of compassion. We want to build a network of liaisons among involved congregations, caregivers and community members. These liaisons would have the resources to help people stay healthy.”
The article reports that and the end of the program,
…Gambill and Dr. Nelson Granade, pastor at the First Baptist Church of North Wilkesboro, invited those in attendance to sign a covenant to support the program locally. Among those who signed were Arnold Lakey, representing the WRMC Hospital Operating Board; Ann Absher, director of the Wilkes County Health Department; David Shelton, representing The Health Foundation; Dr. Gunderson; Laura Hubbard of Gentiva Health; and representatives from local churches.
Photos: Chris Gambill and Rev. Nelson Granade address the gathering.
