Health Through Faith and Community A Study Resource © 1998 Ed Canda

Health Through Faith and Community Session 6 Faith and Well-Being Well-Being of Society © 2003 Aaron Ketchell

Health Through Faith and Community Overhead 6.1 – Insights about Social Factors of Health Scientific research on social factors affecting population health suggest the following: Higher income levels are associated with better levels of physical health. The experience of poverty, even beyond the level of access to basic needs, is a powerful negative influence on health. Countries with a wide gap between rich and poor, such as the United States, have a lower life expectancy than countries with a lesser gap (such as Sweden and Japan).

Health Through Faith and Community Overhead 6.1 – Insights about Social Factors of Health Social factors that may have a major negative influence on physical health of community members: (Adapted from Tarlov & St. Peter, 2000) A greater experience of discrimination, oppression, and low social status Lesser access to health care resources and material conditions that support health (such as quality nutrition, housing, and sanitation).

Health Through Faith and Community Overhead 6.1 – Insights about Social Factors of Health Social factors that may have a major negative influence on physical health of community members: (Adapted from Tarlov & St. Peter, 2000) Less availability of education and social skills preparation for planning and achieving life goals. Lesser experience of positive social support networks, such as family, friends, neighborhood, religious groups, and community institutions. Lower rates of employment and sense of satisfaction with employment.

Health Through Faith and Community Overhead 6.1 – Connections Between Health Risks and Social Situations According to statistics taken from the National Center for Health Statistics report titled Health, United States (2002): According to statistics taken from the National Center for Health Statistics report titled Health, United States (2002): In 1998, infant mortality rates were higher for infants of black, Hawaiian, and Native American mothers (13.8, 10.0, and 9.3 deaths per 1,000 live births) than for infants of other race groups. Infant mortality rates for Hispanic and non- Hispanic white mothers were similar (5.8 and 6.0 per 1,000 life births). Infant mortality decreases as the mothers level of education increases. This trend is greater for white mothers than for mothers in other racial and ethnic groups. In 1998, mortality for infants of non-Hispanic white mothers with less than a high school education was double that for infants whose mothers who had at least a high school education.

Health Through Faith and Community Overhead 6.1 – Connections Between Health Risks and Social Situations According to statistics taken from the National Center for Health Statistics report titled Health, United States (2002): According to statistics taken from the National Center for Health Statistics report titled Health, United States (2002): In 1999, overall mortality was one-third higher for black Americans than for white Americans. Preliminary age- adjusted death rates for the black population exceeded those for the white population by 38 percent for stroke, 28 percent for heart disease, 27 percent for cancer, and more than 700 percent for HIV disease. The risk for suicide is higher for elderly white males than for other groups. In 1999, the preliminary suicide rate for white males eighty-five years of age and over was more than three times that for young white males fifteen to twenty-four years of age.

Health Through Faith and Community Overhead 6.1 – Connections Between Health Risks and Social Situations According to statistics taken from the National Center for Health Statistics report titled Health, United States (2002): Between 1992 and 1999, the occupational injury death rate increased 15 percent to 4.4 deaths per 100,000 employed workers. –The industries with the highest death rates were mining, agriculture, forestry, and fishing (22 to 24 deaths per 100,000). –Construction, with the death rate of 14 per 100,000 accounted for the largest number of deaths, 20 percent of all occupational injury deaths. –The risk of fatal occupational injury was highest among workers aged sixty-five years and over.

Health Through Faith and Community Overhead 6.2 –Mobilizing to Reduce Poverty Action - Writing to Your Congressional Representative and Senators: Action alerts are telegrams put out by lobbying organizations to alert concerned individuals about upcoming debates on particular issues. They are used at both the state and federal levels. They allow you to share your views with your legislators in a timely manner. Action alerts are telegrams put out by lobbying organizations to alert concerned individuals about upcoming debates on particular issues. They are used at both the state and federal levels. They allow you to share your views with your legislators in a timely manner.

Health Through Faith and Community Overhead 6.2 –Mobilizing to Reduce Poverty Action - Writing to Your Congressional Representative and Senators: For example, as recently stated by the National Council of Churches: A movement is underway to confront the persistent challenge of poverty in America. Its a joint venture of the National Council of Churches (NCC) 36 member denominations, dozens of local and regional councils of churches, and national partner organizations such as Childrens Defense Fund, Habitat for Humanity, Families USA, and Call to Renewal. (

Health Through Faith and Community Overhead 6.2 –Mobilizing to Reduce Poverty Action - Writing to Your Congressional Representative and Senators: Ending poverty in the United States is among the NCCs top priorities. Your advocacy with your U.S. Senators and Representatives can help. Contact information: National Council of Churches Communication Department 475 Riverside Drive, Suite 880 New York, NY Web site:

Health Through Faith and Community Overhead 6.3 – Putting Faith into Action Action: Donating Ones Labor According to Habitat for Humanity International: Habitats ministry is based on the conviction that to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ we must reflect Christs love in our own lives by loving and caring for one another. Our love must not be words only – it must be true love, which shows itself in action. Habitat provides an opportunity for people to put their faith and love into action, bringing diverse groups of people together to make affordable housing and better communities a reality for everyone.

Health Through Faith and Community Overhead 6.3 – Putting Faith into Action Action: Donating Ones Labor Contact information: Habitat for Humanity International 121 Habitat St. Americus, GA , ext or 2552 Web site:

Health Through Faith and Community Overhead 6.4 – Acting Together for Respect & Justice Action: Walking for a Cause The National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ), founded in 1927 as The National Conference for Christians and Jews, is a human relations organization dedicated to fighting bias, bigotry, and racism. The NCCJ promotes understanding and respect among all races, religions, and cultures through advocacy, conflict resolution, and education.

Health Through Faith and Community Overhead 6.4 – Acting Together for Respect & Justice Action: Walking for a Cause As recently stated by the NCCJ: Want to find a way to express your commitment to ending bias, bigotry, and racism in your own community? Well, put on your most comfortable walking shoes and join us as we Walk As One! While meeting new friends and getting some fresh air and exercise, walkers are able to demonstrate their commitment to a community that is inclusive and just. Through the Walks, individuals, companies, organizations, and community leaders can support NCCJ and promote respect and understanding among all people. Together, we can celebrate our progress in fighting bias, bigotry and racism and take a stand against ongoing issues of intolerance.

Health Through Faith and Community Overhead 6.4 – Acting Together for Respect & Justice Action: Walking for a Cause Contact information: National Conference for Community and Justice 475 Park Avenue South, 19th Floor New York, NY Web site: