From Staff Reports
JEFFERSON COUNTY — St. Vincent’s Health System is calling for applicants for its Clergy Wellness Initiative, which helps local faith leaders meet their health goals through a tailored wellness program.
“The Clergy Wellness Initiative provides accountability and support to help faith leaders achieve a healthy lifestyle.” said Tineciaa Harris, MSPH, Clergy Wellness Manager for St. Vincent’s Health System. “It allows participants to tailor a wellness plan that fits their specific needs in order to meet their goals.”
Since the Clergy Wellness Initiative kicked off in 2012, the program has continued to grow across the Birmingham area. Last year, more than 55 clergy members participated in the nine-month program, during which participants receive personal training sessions, membership at St. Vincent’s fitness centersand invitations to two monthly “Lunch and Learn” sessions on a wide range of topics. This year, participating clergy will celebrate their hard work at the end the program by walking in the American Heart Association’s Birmingham Heart Walk Saturday, June 11.
“The Clergy Wellness program at St. Vincent’s has had a greater impact on my health and wellness than I could have ever imagined,” said Sarah Shelton, a pastor at Baptist Church of the Covenant and past Clergy Wellness participant. “In addition to the benefits of regular exercise and managing stress, I’ve improved other existing health issues. My doctor recently asked me what I was doing differently, and I was excited to share with him how this program has helped me improve my lifestyle.”
If you’re interested in applying for this program, please contact Tineciaa Harris, at (205) 558-3597 ortineciaa.harris@stvhs.com.
To apply, you must be a licensed or ordained clergy member in a senior leadership position of a local ministry. The deadline for applications is May 1, 2016. The program will start in August 2016 and continue through June 2017.