The American Social Health Association (ASHA) recognizes and appreciates the strength, vision, and influence inherent in communities of faith.  These communities are often central to the lives of their members, and therefore play a critical role in caring for the minds, bodies and spirits of their members and the larger community.  Self-concept and concepts related to health and healing are often formed according to religious tradition and influence.  For example:

In the area of childhood and adult immunization
Faith-based organizations and communities often serve as the primary caregivers of our nation's youth as well as the elderly.  Through pre-school, after-school and adult-care programs, they have a unique opportunity to ensure that families have access to information about vaccine-preventable diseases, as well as access to the vaccines themselves.

In the area of adolescent health
Faith-based organizations and communities have historically played a critical role in the socialization and development of their members.  In an era where adolescents are increasingly more vulnerable to health-related threats and challenges, these organizations can play a critical role in educating their membership about the biological and social factors that place youth at greater risk than those in other age groups.

In the area of sexually transmitted disease (STD)
Faith-based organizations and communities can be a powerful force in the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases including HIV, by creating an atmosphere which reduces the stigma surrounding these infections and encourages the acquisition of information and skills necessary to prevent their transmission.

Position as of March 20, 2003

Recommendations:
Public health officials should seek input from faith-based organizations when deciding health policy. Agencies responsible for public health should collaborate with faith-based organizations when conducting community needs assessments and implementing health education and prevention programs. Including clergy and representatives of faith-based organization on boards of directors, community planning initiatives and on governing bodies can be useful. Researchers should include faith-based organizations in efforts to promote and conduct health research.

For additional information on collaborating with faith-based organizations to improve health outcomes see:

National Organizations (General)

Department of Health and Human Services
The Center for Faith-Based & Community Initiatives
http://www.hhs.gov/fbci/  

Bureau of Primary Health Care Faith Partnership Initiative
http://bphc.hrsa.gov/programs/FaithProgramInfo.htm

White House Office Faith-Based and Community Initiatives
http://www.whitehouse.gov/government/fbci/

The Interfaith Alliance
http://www.tialliance.org

Emory University
Rollins School of Public Health Interfaith Health Program
http://www.ihpnet.org/

The Congress of National Black Churches
http://www.cnbc.org/prog_hw.htm

International Center for the Integration of Health and Spirituality
http://www.nihr.org/abouticihs/abouticihs.cfm

National Organizations (Specific)

Balm in Gilead
http://www.balmingilead.org/home.asp

Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice
http://www.rcrc.org

Resource Center for Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention
http://www.etr.org/recapp/practice/edskills200202.htm

Global Aids Interfaith Alliance
http://www.etr.org/recapp/practice/edskills200202.htm

Publications

Engaging Faith Communities as Partners in Improving Community Health
http://www.phppo.cdc.gov/documents/faithhealth.pdf

*The provision of Web site links on this page are provided for information purposes only.  The list should not be viewed as comprehensive, and is not necessarily an endorsement of any particular organization.