Abstract
The African Methodist Episcopal Church International Health Commission (AME IHC) has moved into the new quadrennium with the expansion of and the development of new activities, events, programs, and planning at all levels of the Connection. Based on recommendations from our most globally attended Quadrennial Training and Meeting (June 2021), we have moved our monthly meetings to the fourth Saturday and have included a time for ongoing training at the opening of each meeting.
Before the end of October 2021, the website (http://www.amechealth.org) will look very different. It will be more user-friendly with easier to locate topical resources. A mobile app for Android and iOS will also be launched by the end of the month. Our upgraded media presence will allow improved access for those around the Connection. Translation utilities are forthcoming. The Health Commission YouTube Channel library will continue to expand the recordings of webinars and other video presentations. The Facebook page also provides regularly updated information.
Many local churches have developed or expanded their health ministries. In addition, several presiding elder districts have organized health commissions. While there are a few recently appointed Episcopal District Health Directors; however, there are episcopal districts for which we are unaware of those designated as Health Director. This concern also extends to the presiding elder district and local church levels. We, therefore, request that this Google Form be used to advise us of the contact information for directors and coordinators at all levels.
While this messaging summarizes the programming highlights with only two of our ministry programs, Alzheimer’s Association and Black Church Food Security Network, we will continue to provide information and updates about our 14 ministries over the next few months.
The AME IHC Farm and Garden Initiative, in partnership with the Black Church Food Insecurity Network, provides important resources and training to address food insecurity and food injustice. Farms and gardens produce an abundance of healthy food that can be shared in communities and cities that are food deserts and therefore lack access to fresh produce, the ability to feed the hungry, and have limited disaster relief food supplies. A map of farms and gardens in the Connection and other faith-based communities is currently being developed. This data will create a sustainable nationwide food supply network and will also be used to highlight the economic and health benefits of local farms and gardens. In addition, the Commission aims to increase the use of Culinary Rx (http://www.amechealth.org/culinaryrx).
The Farm and Garden Initiative programming is detailed in three subprograms:
- Operation Higher Ground (Increase resources and connections to healthy foods)
- Soil to Sanctuary Market (Encourage miniature farmers markets at churches connect local farmers and provide access to fresh food)
- Black Church Census (Take inventory of current resources)
Register for the Farm and Garden Initiative at https://forms.gle/MEJAM3HFfWdHUGTz9. If there are any questions, please feel free to contact Rev. Carolyn Cavaness at amefarmfresh@gmail.com.
AME IHC –Alzheimer’s Association Partnership
The African Methodist Episcopal Church (AMEC) is proud to partner with the Alzheimer’s Association® for the third year to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease among the African American community. We are expanding AME-hosted education programs and support groups to reach more communities and increase the resources available throughout the Connection.
To learn about volunteer opportunities, join us on Tuesday, November 16, 2021, from 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. CDT for a Volunteer Welcome and Orientation webinar. During this webinar, The Alzheimer’s Association will provide an overview of the various AMEC-specific volunteer roles, how to apply to become a volunteer, and what to expect as an Association volunteer. To attend this free webinar, AMEs can reserve their spot by clicking here.
ALZ Magazine shares inspiration and information about the fight to end Alzheimer’s and offers tips on making your brain the focus of a healthy lifestyle. Published three times a year, ALZ features useful lifestyle tips, human interest stories, celebrity supporter profiles, and the latest Alzheimer’s research.
The Winter 2021 (November 2021) issue of ALZ Magazine highlights the AME Church’s partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association, the success of the March 2021 Purple Sunday event, and the story of Roslyn Thibodeaux Goodall, an AME member and co-chair of the Alzheimer’s Association/AME Church National Partnership’s Steering Committee.
The magazine is free and distributed to Alzheimer’s Association supporters and the general public across the country. Please use the following links for ALZ Magazine subscriptions: Individual/Personal and Bulk/Group.
