nurse helping patient photo

Community Health Services

Health Ministry

The Health Ministry Program is a unique, specialized nursing practice established as a collaborative relationship between Randolph Hospital and the faith communities in Randolph County. It was established by Randolph Hospital in 2002 with a grant from The Duke Endowment.

A Randolph Hospital-based coordinator is responsible for assisting community congregations with developing and implementing a Health Ministry Program. Congregational nurses serve as employees of the churches with a collaborative relationship to the Randolph Hospital coordinator. Each Health Ministry Program is tailored to meet the needs of the individual congregations. This may include paid, volunteer or community models.

The role of the congregational nurse includes:

  • Personal health counselor to discuss health concerns with parishioners and make home/hospital visits as needed. Nurses do not perform “hands-on” nursing care (wound care, IV's, injections.)
  • Health educator to promote an understanding of the relationship between lifestyle, attitudes, faith and well-being by offering educational programs and screenings specific to congregation needs.
  • Referral source to help parishioners utilize community resources and services.
  • Facilitator to recruit and coordinate volunteers and support groups within the congregation.
  • Interpreter of the relationship between faith and health seeking to promote an understanding of the relationship between values, beliefs, behaviors and well-being.

For more information, please contact the Health Ministry coordinator by calling (336) 629-8896 ext. 5022.