Congregational Health Network
North Carolina has a rich history. Whether you ascribe to a specific religion or not, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and others who are involved in communities of faith, are probably part of your daily life. Our culture and history includes the establishment of major denominations, the growth of religious groups, and the activism of African-American churches. Integration and cohesion between faith communities has been a proven source of comfort and support for individuals with cancer and other chronic diseases.
This initiative seeks to serve as a repository of low and no cost resources available from a variety of sources designed specifically to support congregations and the communities they serve.
This initiative seeks to serve as a repository of low and no cost resources available from a variety of sources designed specifically to support congregations and the communities they serve.
Brothers & Sisters
The following evidence-based programs have been identified through collaborative work with our sibling causes & cancer activists - breast and colorectal cancers. In North Carolina alone, over 24,000 people are diagnosed with breast, colorectal, or prostate cancer every year and more than 4,000 North Carolinians die every year of one of these 3 cancers. All 3 have similar risk factors, overlapping treatment pathways, and similar impacts on emotional health and intimate relationships. Anyone over 40 is at a higher risk age for at least 2 of these 3 types of cancer. The 5 year survival rate for all 3 is better than 95% with early detection. What's more, emerging evidence indicates newly discovered shared genetic risk factors and lifestyle correlations that might allow us to further understand and perhaps collectively fortify ourselves and those we love against all 3 cancers.
Survivorship
Land of Sky Regional Council experience with programs to manage chronic disease and other common cancer comorbidities.
Hospital & Healthcare Collaborations
Our sisters (and brothers) affected by breast cancer have led the way when it comes to identifying and advocating for programs and practices that make a difference! These especially include access to multidisciplinary care and patient navigation. Here are a few examples of what might be done on a local level:
Originally piloted in Hawaii, please contact us if you are interested in expanding this concept through the continuum of care and adapting it for use in North Carolina.
Multidisciplinary consultations are a standard of care for breast cancer patients. It should be for colorectal and prostate cancers as well! Click here to learn about a small community hospital in Charlotte (Presbyterian) that developed a multidisciplinary & multi-practice genitourinary (GU) cancer program.
The Health through Early Awareness and Learning (HEAL) Project - piloted in Maryland - works with faith-based communities to foster sustainable cancer awareness and to increase breast, prostate and colorectal screenings. Click here for implementation materials. Please contact us if you plan to adapt this program for North Carolina.
The Baptists on Mission Health Screening Ministry mobile unit is available to churches, collegiate healthcare programs, and service organizations throughout North Carolina. Target patient populations include the un-insured and underserved throughout the state.
Cancer Prevention & Generally Beneficial Lifestyle Support
