Faith Partnership Initiative

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.

Half of Pastors Say the Opioid Epidemic Has Hit Their Church
by Aaron Earls, November 19, 2019
Christianity Today
Necessary Conversations: The Church, Suicide, and Mental Health
by Ed Stetzer, August 3, 2018
Christianity Today
The Church and Mental Health: What Do the Numbers Tell Us?
by Ed Stetzer, July 31, 2018
Christianity Today
Mental Health: A Guide for Faith Leaders
2018
American Psychiatric Association Foundation
Mental Illness and the Church: An Analysis
by David Murray, October 13, 2014
Christianity Today

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