Health is the unity and harmony of body, mind, and spirit in relationship with God, self, others, and the environment.
Health Ministries Network of Minnesota (HMN-MN) is a nonprofit, 501(c)3, interfaith organization committed to encouraging, supporting and developing whole-person ministries throughout Minnesota. We welcome people from adjoining states to be part of this network as affiliate members.
Supporting Seniors Across Systems Grant: (SSAS)
"Supporting Seniors Across Systems: Effectiveness of Parish Nurse Interventions” was presented to the metro area parish nurses in October of 2005. Laura Rydholm, co-author of the study and creator of the DIARY method used to capture the data, wrote and article on the outcomes of this study. Watch for it in one of the next upcoming issues of the Journal of Gerontological Nursing (JOGN).
The following are some of the successful accomplishments of this grant which was supported with dollars from the Minnesota Department of Human Services, Medica Foundation, and in-kind contributions from Hennepin County and others
Technology Grants: Were provided to parish nurses to purchase computers, PDAs, software, printers, etc. Congregations supplied a 25% match contribution to the purchase price. Recipients chose products to meet their needs.
DIARY Study: (Data, Interpretation, Action, Response, Yield) provided us with data demonstrating how parish nursing interventions made a difference in lives of seniors by looking at the healthcare dollars saved and the improved quality of life value of interventions which encouraged seniors to seek care averting or interrupting serious illness. The Study provided multiple benefits:
- Allowed authentication of the actions of faith community nurses
- Documentation of the faith community nursing care
- How holistic care that includes a spiritual component improves physical health and quality of life
- Provided faith community nurses with a charting format that was compatible with the standard of nursing practice.
Technical Assistance and Mentoring Available:25 churches, synagogues, and mosques were provided with information and support as they explored adding health ministry to their pastoral care services. Numerous faith communities were given technical assistance to facilitate communication and sharing of opportunities available to faith communities.
www.minnesotahelp.info Includes many Parish Nurses, Churches and Other Health Ministries, Area Agencies on Aging, along with the SSAS grant partners, surveyed parish nurses in the 23 county pilot area. The survey focused on identifying congregational support ministries, including parish nursing, and the types of services offered. This Internet database that can be used by healthcare professionals and the public when looking for resources for seniors. Education was provided to health and human service professionals regarding the scope and practice of parish nursing. Information about health ministries is also available over the phone through the Senior LinkAge Line® at 1-800-333-2433.
Nurse Block Program/HMN Partnership: The Elderberry Institute/ Block Nurse Program and Health Ministries Network partnered to bring a better understanding of what each can offer to seniors in the community.