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PRESS RELEASE:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE       

HERNANDO UNITED METHODIST CHURCH RECOGNIZED AS HEALTH ADVOCATE

The physical health as well as the spiritual health of the members Hernando United Methodist Church guide the work the Health Ministry Team.  The church was Recognized as the September Health Champion by the DeSoto County Community Health Council, a component of the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi’s Get A Life! initiative.  Led by Ellen Graham, RN, the Health Ministry Team includes the pastor, Rev. Danny Dabbs, a pharmacist, nutritionist, nurses, parks and recreation department. employee and lay volunteers.    “We appreciate so much the recognition of our health ministry”, said Ellen Graham.  “It is a labor of love for all the members of our team.  The Team was formed following the Faith-based Health Ministry Workshop held in January 2008 and conducted by Rosetta Swinton, BSN, RN, Seventh Episcopal District, Director of Health, South Carolina.  The workshop was sponsored by Get A Life!, an obesity prevention initiative. 

Hernando United Methodist’s Health Ministry Team has implemented a variety of programs to address some of the main areas of concern identified in their congregational survey including increased physical activity and nutrition.  A Health Fair was held on October 19^th during the Sunday School hour focusing on flu and pneumonia shots for pre-registered participants (mainly senior adults), displays and on site pharmacists who conducted “med recs” on prescriptions seniors are currently taking.  An Exercise Room is open to the congregation with a cycling class promoted by Reverend Dabbs.  A Healthy Food Tasting was held on Sunday, November 2^nd immediately following the last service with an emphasis on healthy holiday foods with recipes provided.

CPR classes are held periodically and the church participated in Play Day at the Park on September 27 with games and prizes for the children.  This event is sponsored by the City of Hernando as a designated Playful City USA.  Church members have a Mentoring Project at Oak Grove Elementary School weekly providing emotional support and tutoring to students referred by counselors and teachers. 

These are just a few of the reasons Hernando United Methodist Church was recognized (Sunday, November 23) as the September Health Champion.  The Community Health Council recognizes an individual, business, church, school or organization that is an advocate for healthy lives in DeSoto County.  If you have a nomination please forward to Peggy Linton, Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi at plinton@cfnm.org or fax to 662.449.5006.  To learn more about Get A Life! go to www.kidsgetalife.org.                     

Provided by Peggy Linton, Community Development Director, Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi.