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Introduction
We are excited to
re-introduce New Song's Health Cooperative, a project of
our health ministry that has just changed its walk-in
hours from Wednesday evenings to Sunday afternoons. The
health cooperative is an outreach ministry that
complements the comprehensive primary care center which
has been launched by People's Community Health Center in
our 1300 N. Fulton Avenue facility.
Every Sunday afternoon after church, from 1 PM until
3 PM, the doors at 1300 N. Fulton Avenue are open to
anyone desiring support in improving their health and
moving towards shalom -- the presence of peace and
wholeness and not merely the absence of disease.
The co-op provides a venue where people who have
skills and training in medical fields can work together
to help those who are striving to maintain or improve
their health. Our individualized help is designed to
complement, not replace, traditional medical care.
Examples of health issues that we can help with are:
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Generalized health
assessment and personalized plan for improving
health
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Assistance in obtaining
needed medications
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Screening for medical
conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes,
glaucoma, and depression
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Nutritional consultation
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Instruction and support
in self-care for chronic illnesses
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Assistance in
understanding health insurance plans/benefits
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We also offer these services throughout the week by
individual appointment. Callers to our phone line
410-728-5600 can leave a message indicating the kind of
medical issue they need help with and they will be
matched with a volunteer who can help them with that
need. All the services of the co-op are provided free of
charge to
Sandtown residents and people affiliated with
our sister New Song ministries.
All those involved are committed to creating a
positive atmosphere where all who come can leave with
hope. Our hope is grounded the love of Christ and His
love for each of us. We are excited to see what God is
doing through this ministry of neighbors caring for
neighbors.
The Co-op is run by Dr. Belinda Chen, a member of New
Song Community Church. If you are interested in
volunteering through the co-op, you can also leave a
message at 410-728-5600 and we will be happy to answer
any questions you may have and forward a volunteer
registration form.
History and Vision
New Song Family Health Center began in 1991 in
response to requests from the community for help with
health issues. Our young congregation was blessed with a
physician in its midst. Dr. David Thomas responded out
of the abundance of God’s blessing to him and started
the New Song Family Health Center ministry along with
nurse practitioner, Linda Swallow. Working out of the
basement of the church, one evening per week, taking
walk-ins only, they and other volunteers began to create
a place where people in the neighborhood knew they could
come for help in their quest for shalom.
Since then, our ministry has taken on many different
forms, each of which fulfills part of our original
vision. Specifically:
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We have facilitated
access to quality and comprehensive pediatric and
adult health care regardless of ability to pay
through housing a full-service clinic at our 1300 N.
Fulton Avenue facility. Partners in this endeavor
have included the RWJ Foundation, Mercy Medical
Center, and most recently, People’s Community Health
Center.
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We have equipped and
trained our neighbors to improve their health and
the health of their community through providing
training and job opportunities in health-related
fields. Our ministry has been the training ground
for people who have gone on to work for other
organizations as medical assistants, outreach
workers, counselors, nurses, and physicians.
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Though we accept
patients and volunteers from all backgrounds, our
vision statement mandates that we reflect the love
of Jesus in our care. Faithfulness to this core
value has allowed us to help patients and volunteers
alike to experience the Living Christ and grow in
their relationship with God.
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We have remained
sustainable through partnering with many other
organizations. Our community health co-op provides a
venue for us to connect our community with resources
beyond what we have ourselves. |
We pursue this vision for helping our community move
towards shalom with great dependence upon God. We seek
to be aware of God’s presence working in our
Sandtown
community, not only through us, but in others that He
brings alongside.
Won’t you consider the abundance of God’s blessings
to you and join us in working for God’s shalom in
Sandtown?
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Wednesday, 23 April 2008 12:43 AM |
