The Institute for Spirituality and Heath's FaithHealth Network Introduces Free Health Resources for Faith Communities in the Greater Houston Area

NEWS RELEASE

The Institute for Spirituality and Health at the Texas Medical Center is hosting the first convening of its FaithHealth Network on Aug. 25, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. All faith communities and health ministries are welcome. Held monthly, these meetings bring together faith homes to share public health resources, vaccine information, and free support groups for children and adults. These free resources are offered through faith homes of all faith traditions.

The Institute’s FaithHealth Network meeting on Aug. 25 will focus on three areas of public health needs across the Greater Houston community: COVID and Vaccine information and mobile units, Diabetes and Chronic Disease resources and support, and free Mind-Body Skills Groups for adults and children. These valuable public health offerings are free of charge. Join the Zoom call on Aug. 25 to learn more about these initiatives. All faith homes are welcome to become a partner in the Institute’s FaithHealth Network by joining the monthly calls and helping to enhance well-being in Houston’s most in-need areas.

The Institute has again responded to the felt need in the Houston community and provides valuable health and mental health resources through its FaithHealth Network. In response to the anxiety and isolation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, ISH rapidly mobilized to provide support, information, and public health services for self-care and community connectedness. Many of Houston’s communities of color are disproportionately impacted and underserved, having suffered from Hurricane Harvey and COVID-19, and children remain highly anxious in schools. These skills can reduce chronic distress, heal psycho-social trauma, and help community members to understand the relationship between stress and immunity. All of these lessen the impact on the medical systems in place to support our most vulnerable.

Stuart Nelson, the Institute’s Acting President, shares why these initiatives are essential: “The Institute’s FaithHealth initiatives empower individuals and health ministries with tools and knowledge to reduce chronic stress, heal underlying traumas, and promote overall health. The Institute believes that all humans are spiritual beings, and research affirms that spirituality plays a vital role in an individual’s health and healing. In partnership with The Greater Houston Healing Collaborative, a community-wide trauma relief program launched after Hurricane Harvey, Mind-Body Skills Groups are proven to help heal communities and remain relevant and important to the community’s well-being. To date, The Greater Houston Healing Collaborative Institute has served over 25,000 individuals.”

The Institute’s FaithHealth initiatives are made possible by individual donors and foundations, as well as by the CDC Foundation, the Houston Health Department, and others. These partnerships aim to reach the most vulnerable in our community and provide resources for well-being. Join the FaithHealth Network on Aug. 25 to learn more and register.

About The Institute
The Institute for Spirituality and Health at the Texas Medical Center was established in 1955 as the Institute of Religion, as a founding member of the world-renowned Texas Medical Center. For 67 years, the Institute has made a meaningful difference by cultivating heart and humanity in healthcare. From its very inception, The Institute has been dedicated to the concept that spirituality plays a vital role in health, healing, and the promotion of a sense of well-being. The mission of The Institute for Spirituality & Health is to enhance well-being by exploring the relationship between spirituality and health. The Institute advances this mission by engaging in education, research, and direct service programs, guided by the recognition that humans are spiritual beings and that healthcare should reflect this reality.

For more information about The Institute, visit https://www.spiritualityandhealth.org.

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Media Contacts:

Laura Pennino, Senior PR Consultant for The Institute for Spirituality & Health

281-286-9398 office, 713-419-1776 mobile, lp@penninoandpartners.com

MaKlay Simon, PR Consultant for The Institute for Spirituality & Health

281-286-9398 office, 325-262-1862 mobile, maklay@penninoandpartners.com

Leah Adams, Vice President of Engagement, Institute for Spirituality & Health

713-797-0600, ladams@ish-tmc.org