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07063 January 31, 2007
Hitting the road with 'MOM'
National Health Ministries announces volunteer, mission opportunities to help underserved areas
by Evan Silverstein
LOUISVILLE - The Health Mission on the Move program, a mobile health education program of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)'s National Health Ministries (NHM), has announced volunteer opportunities for 2007.
The NHM is also issuing a call for mission opportunities to help underserved and underdeveloped areas.
The Health Mission on the Move unit, a 35-foot-long white van affectionately called MOM, provides health education and risk assessments to those who do not have access to those services.
Plans are underway for MOM to hit the road in March for a service day at the Presbyterian Community Center in Louisville, a trip to the Chicago area in April, a return visit to the Hurricane-ravished Gulf Coast at the end of May and a trip to the Tucson/Sells area of Arizona in late fall.
Pat Gleich, associate for National Health Ministries, said that MOM's programs are designed as health promotion and empowerment programs to help the people who are served by the program learn to take control over many aspects of their own health.
"We like to remind people that lifestyle decisions, diet, exercise - choices that people make - have a much greater affect on life span and quality of life than genetics," Gleich said. "That is one of the strong messages we articulate through MOM's programs."
MOM staff and volunteers provide health education, perform non-invasive services including blood pressure checks and complete an extensive health risk assessment. Since MOM is not an accredited health agency, staff and volunteers must coordinate "medical" services with local, licensed providers.
The risk assessment pinpoints reducible health risks and generates a plan for reducing those risks. MOM staff and volunteers go over the plan as people complete the risk assessment. Additionally, MOM staff develops referral sources for people who could benefit from follow-up care.
MOM relies heavily on volunteer support and offers numerous volunteer opportunities throughout the year. No previous experience in a health care related field is required to volunteer.
Three main volunteer positions are available: logistical generalists, health professionals and drivers.
Logistical generalists basically "run the show," Gleich said. They help set up and dismantle events. They are responsible for making sure all appropriate forms are available for participants and help regulate the flow of participants coming in and out of MOM.
Health care professionals assist in counseling and informing patients on health education, prevention and wellness and help interpret participants' health risk assessments.
Katie Peterson, a respiratory therapist and member of Central Presbyterian Church in Louisville, spent vacation time helping staff the health van during a visit to the Mississippi Gulf Coast last October.
"We're just trying to help make a difference," Peterson said. "We're trying to make things a little easier with free screenings for the people down here who have been through so much because of Hurricane Katrina."
When MOM makes long road trips, driving team members may be needed to share duties driving MOM to and from mission trip locations. Prior experience in driving large vehicles is preferred but not required.
Chandra Kearns, who coordinates the health van program, encourages congregations throughout the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to consider submitting an application for a visit from MOM.
"MOM is in service to people who do not have easy access to medical care and health education," Kearns said. "Beyond that we will talk to anyone who feels his or her community has a need and is willing to partner with us to set up a mission trip."
NHM, which is housed within the PC(USA)'s Relief and Development program area, promotes social, mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health for everyone, regardless of who they are, where they live or their income status, Gleich said.
For more information about volunteer opportunities or to arrange a visit from MOM, log on to the National Health Web site or contact Pat Gleich by email or by phone (888) 728-7228, x5793. Chandra Kearns may be reached by email, by phone: (888) 728-7228, x5267 or by U.S. mail at 100 Witherspoon Street, Rm. M067, Louisville, Kentucky, 40202
To be added to a national database of volunteers visit One Door.
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