Case Study of Faith Community Nursing led Mental Health Fair

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