Case Study of Faith Community Nursing led Mental Health Fair

Authors

  • Angel Smothers, DNP, ARPN, FNP-BC, CNEcl West Virginia University
  • James Messer, MSN, RN Jenny's Creek Baptist Church
  • Nicole Messer, MSN, RN Jenny’s Creek Baptist Church
  • Kyle Young West Virginia University
  • Erin Young West Virginia University
  • Tanner Cole, BSN, RN, MSN student West Virginia University
  • Jaylne Morgan, BSN, RN, MSN Student West Virginia University

Keywords:

Mental Health, Faith community nursing, rural, appalachia

Abstract

Background: There is a growing need in Mingo County, West Virginia, for access to mental health care. For years, Appalachians have suffered from mental health disorders which are made more difficult by skepticism and stereotypes within the community. Faith community nursing initiatives have pursued health promotion strategies that have been known to engage members of the community to address mental health concerns. Due to a lack of knowledge and education on mental health, as well its isolated geographical location, this topic can be controversial in the Appalachian region.

Purpose: To describe a case study of a community-based mental health promotion project where two local Mingo County Faith Community Nurses hosted a mental health fair.

Outcomes: Despite a number of challenges, the project was successful, as it not only attracted members of the faith community but also people from the surrounding communities. By hosting the health fair, the Faith Community Nurses were able to offer free screenings and make appropriate referrals to mental health services.

Keywords: Appalachia, mental health, mental illness, mental health resources, mental health referrals, Faith Community Nursing (FCN), health promotion, stigma, nurse-led access to care, Rural Health Nursing

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.14574/ojrnhc.v23i2.754

Author Biographies

  • Angel Smothers, DNP, ARPN, FNP-BC, CNEcl, West Virginia University

    Associate Dean for Community Engagement, Clinical Associate Professor, West Virginia School of Nursing

  • James Messer, MSN, RN, Jenny's Creek Baptist Church

    Faith Community Nurse

  • Nicole Messer, MSN, RN, Jenny’s Creek Baptist Church

    Faith Community Nurse

  • Kyle Young, West Virginia University

    AmeriCorp VISTA

  • Erin Young, West Virginia University

    AmeriCorp VISTA

  • Tanner Cole, BSN, RN, MSN student, West Virginia University

    MSN Student, School of Nursing

     

  • Jaylne Morgan, BSN, RN, MSN Student, West Virginia University

    MSN Student, School of Nursing

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Published

2023-12-11

Issue

Vol. 23 No. 2 (2023): Online Journal of Rural Nursing and Health Care, 23(2)

Section

Articles

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