Free health assessments offered by Faith Community Nurse in McDowell County | School of nursing

Using the knowledge and skills she gained from the Faith Community Nursing course at the West Virginia University School of Nursing, a local registered nurse is developing a community outreach program that will provide health education, screenings and programs. Support.

Every second Tuesday of the month from noon to 5 p.m., Melissa Coleman invites area residents to Bradshaw Church of God, located at 10394 Marshall Highway, where they can meet with her to discuss their health concerns.

In addition to conducting health assessments, Coleman said she would like to review the medications individuals are currently taking – “Many patients don’t understand why they are taking the medications they are taking, so I want to help provide that education. “

Coleman, who currently works as a critical care charge nurse and has nearly three decades of experience, participated in a scholarship opportunity from the WVU School of Nursing’s Faith Community Nursing course.

“I love teaching and growing in the church,” Coleman said. “This program taught me what it means to do both – how to integrate spiritual care and health, while being impartial, non-judgmental, and working with cultures and religions other than my own.”

Its purpose is to provide community members with education in health issues and management, as well as self-care and health maintenance. She will also provide guidance on integrating faith and healing. As Coleman better understands the health needs of the area, she hopes to offer group educational sessions on topics such as diabetes, atrial fibrillation (A-fib), congestive heart failure, kidney failure and more. .

Supplies needed for the community outreach program are provided through a donation from the Rusty and Kimberly Hutson Family Foundation, and the pastor of Bradshaw Church of God has been a strong supporter of the initiative. When Coleman approached Pastor Brian Patterson and his wife Jenna, who is also a nurse, they were more than willing to provide the space she needed.

“We’re so excited for this opportunity because Melissa Coleman is not only a great nurse, but she’s also a wonderful person inside and out,” said Pastor Patterson. “I know this program will be a huge blessing to our community.

For people in rural areas, a little help can go a long way, as Coleman said many specialists are located an hour or more away. She hopes to set up telehealth visits for patients who cannot travel when more specialized care is needed.

Coleman hopes the faith community environment will provide a welcoming, non-judgmental space for community members to work towards improving their health. She said people from all walks of life, regardless of their religious beliefs, are welcome.

“I hope that people who may be afraid to go to a clinic for treatment will feel more comfortable in this space, to come and talk about their health and to open up, rather than being in a crowded waiting room.

To learn more about Faith Community Nursing, visit nursing.wvu.edu or contact Angel Smothers at [email protected]. To learn more about the McDowell County Health Program, contact Melissa Coleman at [email protected]

-WVU-

CONTACT: Wendy Holden
Communications and Marketing Director
WVU School of Nursing
304-581-1772; [email protected]