Edgewood's Health Ministry was started in 2010. Activities include 

• purchase of First Aid Kits placed in appropriate locations, 
  
• development of an Emergency Response Protocol for serious/life-threatening situations which occur during Sunday worship service 
  
• formation of an Emergency Response Team of individuals with medical training (physicians, nurses, paramedics). 
  

The Care Assistance Committee  addresses care needs of the congregation for meals, transportation and visits.

The Education/Resource Development Committee  convenes a bookgroup on spirituality and health, offers the Health Ministry Corner in the Edgewood Exchange, and conducts sessions on health topics including a  program  offered with Tri-County Office on Aging for caregivers on Stress and on Family Relationships, AARP Driver Safety Program, sessions on Coping with Serious Illness, and a program for campus ministry students on Healthy Relationships.  The first annual Wellness Fair was held in April 2010 and the Fit Edgewood challenge was conducted in 2011. 

The Care Partners Ministry,  a new  ministry developed in response to the needs of caregivers in the congregation, assists the pastors in providing intentional care and one-to-one information and support to caregivers. Caregivers are paired with a Care Partner who provides support through personal visits, phone calls, notes/inspirational messages and prayer.  

Future plans include developing ways to make information on health topics and community resources readily available to Edgewood staff and members, development of a Medical Equipment Loan Program for individuals to donate used medical equipment and to loan this equipment to folks who need it; and convening a  Healthcare Advocacy Committee to serve as a conduit for UCC healthcare justice activities,  to provide accurate information on state and federal healthcare policies.  

The resources listed in this guide are intended for information purposes only. Although we have attempted to provide reputable professional resources, Edgewood United Church, United Church of Christ, does not accept responsibility for the information provided by these organizations. (Published October 2011)