Northeast Delta HSA’s Faith Partnership Initiative engages faith-based communities because of the contributions we know they can make to help stabilize traditional mental health services. Along with reaching out to citizens through faith-based approaches, we want clergy leaders to better understand their own challenges along with the challenges of their congregations. We know that faith can offset hopelessness, and with coordinated resources, we will be able to help our region grow and prosper to its full potential.
We engage faith-based communities in our efforts because of the contributions we know they can make to help stabilize traditional mental health services. Along with reaching out to citizens through faith-based approaches, we want clergy leaders to better understand their own challenges along with the challenges of their congregations.
As a state agency, our reach is limited. The challenge, then, is to find a way to connect individuals with our services in a meaningful way. In short, we have the meet them where they are. Collaborating with local houses of worship allows us to connect these individuals with the resources and tools available to hep them. It’s a natural longstanding social support system.
Our Faith Partnership Initiative provides opportunities for faith leaders to learn how to address issues of mental illness and substance abuse within their own families, congregations and communities. This initiative has launched a series of training sessions to help faith leaders develop and sustain congregational ministry teams, and provide them the tools to make it easy. All faith traditions are encouraged to participate.
News Articles
The following articles highlight the struggle with poverty, illness, and unconventional family units, which often lead to substance abuse and addiction.
