By: Mariann Hisel, Ed.D.; MSN; MBA; RNC-OB; RNC-EFM; LCCE Everyone on this earth has been affected by COVID-19. COVID-19 has changed the world. COVID-19 changed the world in how people interact with each other, how we treat science, how we respect public health, our political views, and our faith.  We have gone from “We are all Read More

Listening to gospel music, drumming, playing in a praise band, chanting, singing hymns… Music plays a central role in the life of faith communities. Music does more than enhance the spiritual wellbeing of congregants, though. It also offers numerous health benefits. For example: Listening to music can inspire us to move and dance – activities that Read More

Since 2019, partners in the Avondale Faith and Health Collaborative have worked together to offer food, vaccines, masks, clothing, mental health support and other resources to help residents in the greater Avondale area live well. But the Collaborative does much more than that, says Amy McNicholas, Illinois manager of Faith and Health Partnerships, Advocate Aurora Read More

Maria looks forward to every other Thursday when she can attend Let’s Talk!, a support group for moms. “It’s something special I do for myself,” said Maria, a mother of two young children. “I always make time for it.” Maria, like other participants, have benefitted from Let’s Talk!, a bi-weekly virtual group sponsored by Advocate Read More

In 2010, the congregation of Kimball Avenue United Church of Christ worshipped in a historic building, located in the Logan Square community of Chicago…until a steam boiler pipe burst and damaged the building beyond affordable repair.  So, in 2011, the congregation boldly moved forward in disassembling the building and opening the space for God to Read More

Did you know that Wisconsin has the nation’s highest rate of deadly falls among older adults? In 2019, 1,672 Wisconsinites age 65+ died from fall-related injuries. Among them: 234 in Milwaukee County. Nationwide, falls are the leading cause of injury-related death among adults age 65 and older, and the age-adjusted fall death rate is increasing, Read More

By Rebecca Eberhardt, Quality Coordinator, Sr., Sepsis and Stroke, Advocate Aurora Health At Advocate Aurora Health, our mission is to help people live well. How can we apply this to stroke prevention in our faith communities? Nutrition Transportation or mobility issues can impact congregants’ food choices, especially if they do not live near a supermarket. Read More

Faith communities can provide a natural setting for suicide prevention. In fact, one of the protective factors against suicide is religiosity and a connection to a faith community, says  Dr. Munther Barakat, director of behavioral health at Aurora Behavioral Health Center in Wauwatosa, Wis. “Faith communities can provide a sense of belonging and a source Read More

Many of us probably know someone who has been impacted by suicide. According to the CDC, every individual who dies by suicide leaves behind an estimated six or more close family members, friends, and other loved ones.  In 2019, for example, more than 45,000 Americans died by suicide. That means at least 270,000 people lost Read More

Dr. Tonja Williams has had a passion for working with individuals with disabilities, their caretakers and community for nearly 30 years. In fact, she always keeps a pen and paper handy at her bedside to jot down ideas on how she can best serve her clients. “Oftentimes I’m awakened with different thoughts: ‘How could I Read More