MS United Methodists Needed for Community Advocate Health Training Program

The Mississippi Conference of the United Methodist Church is

working with the University of Mississippi's Community Health Advocate training program (CHA) to train lay community health advocates for each Methodist church in the state. The lay community health advocates will become certified health screeners in their communities trained to accurately measure blood pressure, blood sugar and body mass index.  Individuals with medical backgrounds (from medical secretary to a physician) can also train to be community health advocate trainers.

Lee Burdine, the CHA program director for the Mississippi Conference is helping spread the word. 

"This basic health information advocacy training you will receive can make a major difference in your local community. Hopefully churches will consider registering someone for the training and start health team ministry for their local United Methodist congregation," said Burdine.

People, who are health-conscious individuals and would like to serve their congregation or others in this manner, should consider attending one of the upcoming Community Health Advocate training events.  Those who are already certified in the Community Health Advocate curriculum, these training sessions could be your opportunity to practice the exercises. 

Trainings are scheduled in the classroom wing at University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson from 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. on the following dates:

• November 16, 2013
• January 18, 2014          
• February 15, 2014
• March 15, 2014

For more information and to register, contact Michael L. Jones atmljones2@umc.edu.