March 13, 2008
Faith Community Nurse Networking, Thurs., 4 pm - American Heart Association West Palm Beach

April 11, 2008
Annual Faith-Based Nurse Recognition Luncheon, 11:30 am - Devonshire PGA National, Palm Beach Gardens

June 23-27, 2008
Basic Parish Nurse Preparation Curriculum Retreat Experience

Read Articles on Faith- Based Nursing

Interfaith Health and Wellness Association (IHWA) provides support and education for registered nurses who are serving our community through their affiliation with churches, synagogues, mosques and other faith-based initiatives.

Taking a holistic approach to wellness (focusing on the body, mind and spirit) faith-based nursing practice provides critical health promotion and maintenance within the context of the values, beliefs and practices of their faith community and healthcare assistance to our community by assisting individuals who might not be receiving the care they need.

Interfaith Health and Wellness Association was conceived through the efforts of three partnering Palm Beach County foundation personnel who sought a solution to a perceived need – support for faith-based nursing practice. After initial strategic planning (underwritten by the Community Foundation of Palm Beach and Martin Counties), Mary Cleary (now President of the Board of Directors) led the efforts to establish Interfaith Health & Wellness Association as a 501(c)(3) organization and secure grant funding to begin operations.

The organization was officially incorporated on June 23, 2003 and hired its first Executive Director in mid-September. Under the direction of the founding Board of Directors - Martha Alligood, Abbi Bentz, Gae Faraone, Marge Sulllivan and Terri Touhy- the organization moved quickly to establish itself as a positive force within Palm Beach County. Since beginning, the Board of Directors has expanded; Basic Parish Nurse Preparation Curriculum retreats have been held; parish nurses programs have been established; and, an expanded strategic plan has been initiated through the organization’s vision and mission statements.

Vision

IHWA envisions faith-based communities where all individuals, across boundaries and diverse populations, have access to healthcare and basic support services, irrespective of religious affiliation, age or income, with the outcome of physical, mental and spiritual health that ultimately embraces individual and community wellness.

Mission

Mission Statement: Interfaith Health & Wellness Association (IHWA) is committed to the support and education of registered nurses who serve their congregations and communities, by promoting care of the body, mind and spirit for healing and wellness.

SUPPORT

• community referral services
• information on funding resources
• program development information and mentoring for faith-based nursing practice
• library of resources related to the community and faith-based nursing practice
• a network within Palm Beach County for practicing faith-based nurses to communicate

• surveying needs
• offering the “Basic Parish Nurse” curriculum to practicing and interested nurses in Southern Florida
• offering conferences, workshops and seminars on area-specific topics of faith-based nursing practice

IHWA Services

• Assessment for initiating or continuing a faith-based nursing practice
• Resource center for faith leaders and nurses desiring assistance in establishing/maintaining a nursing practice within their congregations
• Guidance and support for the nurse by an experienced faith-based RN coordinator
• Networking meetings for nurses that provide:
  • Sharing of information
  • Best practices
  • Support forums for discussion of professional/theological issues
• Communication materials offering information about:
  • Up-to-date faith based nursing practice
  • Meetings, retreats, opportunities, etc.
  • the “Basic Preparation Curriculum for Parish Nurses.”
  • Educational workshops, seminars, etc.
• Educational programs for nurses, volunteers, clients/families, clergy and the general public
• Community relations programs that assist in building awareness and understanding of faith-based nursing practice.
• Support in financial development efforts
• Recruitment assistance for both nurses and volunteers

Sources of funding