By Emily Viverette

Hugs were plentiful at the concluding session of the first formal Supporters of Health Training program. On March 18, thirty newly-trained Supporters of Health graduated from the inaugural training class.

Funded by a grant from NW AHEC, the program offered participants from six counties (Davidson, Forsyth, Surry, Stokes, Randolph, and Wilkes) the opportunity to meet one day a month over the course of six months. The training days focused on a variety of topics including care management, confidentiality, sleep and pain management, pastoral care in congregations, community resources, listening skills, behavioral health basics, and resiliency. Trainees also had the opportunity to learn first-hand from those Supporters of Health currently serving in the field.

As the training drew to a close, several participants indicated they would miss these opportunities to gather not only for education but also for fellowship. One expressed appreciation for the opportunity to both speak about and explore new ways of practicing her faith in service of others. Many indicated their hope in being able to apply this training to care for those in their communities.

Participants received a certificate and $1000 stipend upon graduation. While current paid positions for new Supporters are not available, the Division of FaithHealth is working to develop partnerships that may open new avenues to employment in this role in the future.