International Health Commission AME Church Report to the 50th Session of the General Conference Reverend Natalie Mitchem, M.Div. Executive Director Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified First Aid and CPR Instructor Reverend Miriam Burnett, MD, MDiv, MPH, CHCQM-PHYADV, Medical Director Physician and Public Health Provider
Mission The International Health Commission serves, among other tasks to help the denomination understand health as an integral part of the faith of the Christian Church, to seek to make our denomination a healing faith community, and to promote the health concerns of its members.
Mission Specifically, the mission is to: To empower our congregations to advocate for improved access to affordable and quality health care To provide Health Education and identify health resources. To assist with first aid for services and meetings at all levels: International, Annual Conference, District and Local
Mission To collaborate with Ecumenical and Interfaith Health Projects while promoting health as a part of our faith and to care for our congregations by advocating health as a right not a privilege, by forming collaborative relationships with International, National, Regional and Local ecumenical and interfaith health programs or projects as well as Health Associations and Community Agencies.
Objectives Establish Health Commissions on all levels, episcopal districts, Annual Conferences and local church Inclusion of one health presentation at each Annual Conference, District Conference, and Christian Education Congress Observe International, National and Local Health Observances at all levels using a broad variety of information for dissemination
Objectives Institute and establish partnerships with other health agencies or programs at all levels. Expand and develop relationships with colleges and universities, medical, nursing, dental and schools of public health. Expand Health Ministries at all levels to include all components of healthcare to promote total wellness (physical, spiritual and emotional).
Objectives Encourage connectional organizations to develop health programs and given them support as needed. Build relationships with corporate, Government, and institutional agencies allowing for programs and projects to expand preventive and curative resources
Objectives Encourage health conferences every year targeting initiatives of The World Health Organization with focus areas as it relates to Africa, the Caribbean, India, South America, and those of the African Diaspora located in other parts of the world Expand International and regional training seminars.
ORGANIZATION The International Health Commission shall be composed of Episcopal District, Annual Conference, Presiding Elder District (where applicable) and Local Church Health Commissions.
Ministries HIV/AIDS Caregivers Spiritual Health Nutrition and Exercise Mental Health Ministry to those who are differently challenged Violence Against Self and Others
Ministries Clergy and Family Health Communicable Diseases and Immunizations Chronic Diseases Collaboration with other Connectional Agendas Death, Dying and Hospice Disaster Preparedness and Response Substance Abuse, Addictions and Recovery First Aid
Partnerships (highlights of a few) American Heart Association Annual partner of July Faith Based Healthy Food & Beverage Toolkit Smoking Cessation BLS, Heart Saver and Hands Only CPR Sponsor of 7AM Walk to promote daily fitness and wellness. Local offices ready to work will all AME churches. Exploring global outreach
Partnerships National Kidney Foundation and Life Point Organ Donations Education, information and nutrition In collaboration with MUSC - Screening of BP, glucose, urine in Room 204A. Chapters are ready to serve in the US and exploring global work
Partnerships Sickle Cell Foundation American Red Cross Blood Drive at 50 th Session of the General Conference on July 12th Please sign up at the Health Commission Booth or online Globally chapters are ready to serve us
Partnerships Health Monitor Magazine the leading patient information magazine CHC Diabetes Edition Offered prevention, education and information and gift cards. Testimonies of improved health
Partnerships Prostate Health Education Network (PHEN) Annual Father s Day Rally offering free resource Annual Prostate Cancer Symposiums Prevention, Treatment options, Prayer and Healthy Food Choices
Partnerships Affordable Care Act Working with Social Action Commission to enroll millions, host webinar and promote health insurance during enrollment period November to January Providing ongoing information and enrollment in CHIP and Medicaid CDC, HHS, WHO, NIH Rev. Dr. Miriam Burnett actively participates in conference calls and presentations with these agencies Disease Alert updates
Partnerships American Diabetes Association Annual Stop Diabetes Sunday Free workshops and information for all local churches
Partnerships UPRIS www.amechealth webmaster Provides up to date and current Wellness, Health, Disaster Preparedness and Fitness Information Text4Wellness Solar Panels Health Commission Forms and information Lunch and Learn on July 11
Partnerships (renewed) American Cancer Society Continuation and expansion of a relationship established in the early 2000 s Bicentennial Torch Run Dinner & Learn at the 50 th General Session Toolkit Posted on www.amechealth.org Goal to connect with all local AME Churches and offer workshops.
New Partnership Lupus Foundation of America Lunch and Learn on July 4 th Prevention, Education and information Helping people to understand and manage Lupus.
Partnerships Visit Booth 148/162
Recommendations Legislation Constitution and By-Laws revisions Liturgy revisions that includes language to accommodate the needs of the differently challenged We support the HALT-2 proposed legislation submitted by Payne Theological Seminary Resolutions The Social Justice Ministry of Jesus the Christ Includes Persons Who Are Differently Challenged Healthful Living and Healthy Environments Foster Healing and Wholeness Throughout the AME Church and Communities We Serve Adoption and support the Connectional Health Commission calendar at all levels Link District websites to www.amechealth.org for online health calendar and ongoing information and resources.
Recommendations Ensure a Health Commission Director is in place at all levels and in all Episcopal Districts to promote health calendar activities, programs and resources available from community partners Reaffirmation of the Health Commission s advocacy for the implementation of DisasterPreparedness protocols, including Preparedness Drills and Safety Checks. Recommendations and Church Safety Tips can be found on www.amechealth.org as well as links to the FBI Active Shooter Event Quick Reference Guide.
Recommendations Promote the Annual July Faith Based Wellness, Health, Nutrition and Fitness month established by the IHC in partnership with the Association of Black Cardiologists, Prostate Cancer Awareness Network, Heart and Soul Magazine and Health Monitor Magazine. Support the last weekend of July as Annual July Faith Based Wellness, Health, Nutrition and Fitness weekend. On Saturday and Sunday in the last weekend of July, pastors and churches are encouraged to host walks, health screenings, healthy food contests, jogging suit and sneaker day, and sermons and Bible studies focused on health and wellness.