Health Ministry Program
Health Ministries
USC Arcadia Hospital’s Health Ministries (Parish Nurse) Program develops and supports holistic health programs in faith communities. The program is designed to enhance the ability of faith communities to promote health - body, mind and spirit - to individuals, families, groups, and the community. USC Arcadia Hospital provides education, information, and resources in the areas of disease prevention and wellness promotion to improve the health of our community.
How does the Health Ministries Program Work?
USC Arcadia Hospital helps each interested faith community establish a health cabinet and select a health minister (Parish Nurse). Based on a health needs assessment of each faith community, an individualized program is developed to care for the “whole” person. The parish nurse does not provide “hands-on” care. Their roles include education, health counseling, referral, training of volunteers, providing for health screenings, and translating the relationship between faith and health.
USC Arcadia Hospital’s Commitment
- As a healthcare leader, provide assistance and consultation in organizing health cabinets/ministries
- Offer training and ongoing education for clergy, parish nurses, health cabinet members and faith community members
- Provide resources and written materials to support the health ministries program
- Provide referrals to healthcare providers and community resources
- Assist with coordination of health education, health fairs, screening programs and immunization clinics
The Faith Community’s Commitment
- As a healthcare leader, provide assistance and consultation in organizing health cabinets/ministries.
- Offer training and ongoing education for clergy, parish nurses, health cabinet members and faith community members.
- Provide resources and written materials to support the health ministry’s program.
- Provide referrals to healthcare providers and community resources
- Assist with coordination of health education, health fairs, screening programs and immunization clinics.
The Faith Community’s Commitment
- Establish a health cabinet, composed of community members interested in maintaining the health of their faith community, to develop, direct and oversee the health ministry’s program.
- Select a Parish Nurse in collaboration with the hospital and health cabinet, to coordinate the program, conduct the needs assessment and provide health education.
- Provide adequate office space for the Parish Nurse and volunteers to work.
The Program’s Benefits
The Health Ministries Program enhances understanding of the body and spirit connection through:
- Education programs to promote a healthy lifestyle.
- Support groups to address specific health issues.
- Links to other health and community resources.
- Health screenings, immunizations and counseling.
- Training of volunteers for home visitation.
For more information please contact our Spiritual Care Department at 626-574-3433.