Hospital and Faith Organizations Partner to Improve Community Health

Hospitals and faith organizations are collaborating to improve health care outcomes and organize community health care resources. A Hospitals in Pursuit of Excellence webinar highlighted the work of the Congregational Health Network (CHN) in Memphis, Tennessee, and the Maryland Faith Community Health Network. “Collaboration Between Hospitals and Faith Organizations to Improve Community Health” describes how health and faith communities are aligning efforts and resources to coordinate health care for community members. Faith congregations can “provide eyes, ears and support outside the hospital,” according to presenters, and they also understand the diversity in communities. For example, the CHN's volunteer liaisons follow network members in and out of inpatient settings; coordinate transition after hospital discharge; provide information and referral services; and facilitate wellness activities within the congregational setting. The CHN has helped reduce readmissions and hospital and ED admissions for its members.

Download the presentation and slides.