Free health assessments being offered by Faith Community Nurse in McDowell County
Using the knowledge and skills she gained from the West Virginia University School of Nursing’s Faith Community Nursing course, a local registered nurse is developing a community outreach program which will offer health education, screenings and supportive programs.
Every second Tuesday of the month from noon to 5 p.m., Melissa Coleman invites area residents to the 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 the individuals are currently taking — “Many patients don’t understand why they’re taking the medications they’re on, so I want to help provide that education.”
Coleman, who currently works as an ICU Nurse Manager and has nearly three decades of experience, took part in a scholarship opportunity from the WVU School of Nursing’s Faith Community Nursing course.
“I love to teach and grow in the church,” Coleman said. “This program taught me what it means to do both — how to integrate spiritual care and health, while being nonbiased, nonjudgmental, and to work with cultures and religions outside my own.”
Her goal is to provide community members with education on health issues and management, as well as self-care and health maintenance. She will provide counseling on integrating faith and healing as well. 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.
The supplies needed for the community outreach program are being provided through a donation from The Rusty and Kimberly Hutson Family Foundation, and the pastor at the Bradshaw Church of God has been highly supportive 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 are really excited for this opportunity, as Melissa Coleman is not just a great nurse, but she is also a great person inside and out,” said Pastor Patterson. “I know this program will be a tremendous blessing for our community.”
For folks 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 are unable to travel when more specialized care is needed.
Coleman hopes the faith community environment will provide a welcoming, judgment-free space for community members to work toward improving their health. She said folks from all backgrounds, no matter their religious beliefs, are welcome to attend.
“I hope people who may be afraid of going to a clinic for care may feel more comfortable in this space, to come and talk about their health and open up, rather than being in a waiting room full of people.”
To learn more about Faith Community Nursing, visit nursing.wvu.edu or contact Angel Smothers at asmothers@hsc.wvu.edu. To learn more about the McDowell County health program, contact Melissa Coleman at melissacolemanfcn@gmail.com
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CONTACT: Wendy Holdren
Director of Communications and Marketing
WVU School of Nursing
304-581-1772; wendy.holdren@hsc.wvu.edu