From Jennifer Garrott

September 23 2020

Greetings,
 
I pray this finds each of you well this cool September day.
 
Many of you are familiar with my work with Methodist Hospital and I am grateful for your support and participation in the Congregational Health Network.
 
Like all other programs we have experienced  difficultly and challenges related to the COVID -19 pandemic. However, it is our goal to provide our congregations with support through education and resources that serve to build a healthier community.
 
With that in mind I have three opportunities I would like to share with you.
 
First, the Congregational Health Network (CHN) offers a monthly meeting where we provide a guest speaker and give updates about the Methodist Healthcare System.  This meeting is typically held the last Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m. This month topic is MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS and our guest speaker is Allison White. Allison received her bachelor's degree in social work from Mississippi State University and her master's in social work from Jackson State University.  She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over fifteen years of experience working with children and adults in a variety of settings including community mental health, school-based counseling, adult and juvenile justice, and therapeutic foster care. She is currently a Supervisor at the LIVING WELL NETWORK. Following Allison's presentation there will be a time for questions. 
 
The link to the Mental Health Awareness presentation is provided below.  You are welcome to share it with those in your congregation who might like to join us.
 
CHN is also pleased to support the Desoto County Social Service Coalition meeting each month. This group was started by a pastor in Desoto County several years ago with the goal to bring together social service organizations and local congregations. Together they address the social disparities and other issues that we face daily in the communities we serve. This groups meets the fourth Thursday of each month at noon. Due to concerns surrounding COVID the Methodist CHN program is pleased to provide the Zoom platform until they can again meet in person. I know a few of you are already familiar with and participate in this group and I thank you for your support. I would like to invite those of you who have not participated to join us. Even if you do not live in Desoto County please feel free to participate. This group also shares information about resources available to assist those in the surrounding areas, such as Tate, Tunica and Marshall. Each month I send an invitation with the link for the meeting. If you or someone in your congregation would like to participate please let me know and I will add you to the invitation.
 
Finally, once again this year we will be celebrating Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare Sunday throughout the three conferences who originally started our healthcare system over 100 years ago. This is a time in the worship service where we ask that you pause to remember and celebrate the rich history between the United Methodist Church and Methodist Hospital. We have a video and other materials to offer so no matter what format you are using to worship at this time we will be able to equip you. No specific date has been chosen this year. We would simply be appreciative of you choosing any date between now and the end of the year.
 
So many of you have very graciously recognized our healthcare heroes throughout this pandemic and for that we are deeply grateful!!!  Each act of kindness has gone a long way to encourage our healthcare workers on the front line. 
 
In closing , I want to thank you for your time today!  I know this is a lot of information so please feel free to contact me with any questions you might have.
 
Throughout this pandemic we have witnessed the  importance of caring for ourselves mind ,body and soul like never before. Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare is here to assist you with building a health care ministry within your congregation should you wish to do so. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss the various ways you might choose to participate in the community healthcare initiatives being offered by Methodist Hospital at this time. 
 
It is my joy and privilege to serve you as the Community Outreach Coordinator.
 
I pray God's blessings upon each of you and those you serve!
 
Sincerely,
Jennifer Garrott
Community Outreach Coordinator
Congregational Health Network
Methodist Hospital Olive Branch
4250 Bethel Rd.
Olive Branch, MS 38654
662-501-6702