- How we help
- Resources & Events
Congregations & Community: Reinvesting in Health & Wellness
EVENT DATE & DETAILSWorkshop Investment: $30 per person
Congregations with three of more members in attendance will receive a $5 discount per registrant.August 27 Event Details
Hilton Garden Inn Northwest Indianapolis
6930 Intech Blvd
Indianapolis, IN 46278
MapSeptember 10 Event Details
Parkview Field
1301 Ewing Street
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
MapCongregations play a pivotal role in the social fabric of communities. Faith leaders often serve as trusted advisors and can mobilize resources and support for those in need. Understanding and addressing the social determinants of health can help congregations foster a healthier, more resilient community.
Through a comprehensive understanding of the seven vital community factors—Basic Needs for Health and Safety, Meaningful Work and Wealth, Humane Housing, Reliable Transportation, Thriving Natural World, Life-long Learning, and Belonging and Civic Muscle—participants will learn actionable strategies to address the root causes of health disparities and promote holistic community wellness.
This workshop will provide faith leaders with the tools to identify and mitigate factors that negatively impact health, thereby enhancing the overall well being of their congregation and impact in the community.
In this workshop, participants will learn:
- Understanding Vital Community Factors: Participants will gain a thorough understanding of the seven vital community factors and how they influence health and wellness.
- Identifying Community Needs: Learn how to assess and identify the specific needs within their communities to tailor interventions effectively.
- Developing Action Plans: Create actionable plans to address health disparities and improve access to essential services within their congregations.
- Building Partnerships: Strategies for building partnerships with local organizations, healthcare providers, and government agencies to support community health initiatives.
- Advocacy and Policy Engagement: Gain skills in advocating for policy changes that promote health equity and access to vital community resources.
About the instructorDr. Cooke is proud to have graduated with honors from IU School of Medicine in 2001 and is now a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Medicine and the American Society of Addiction Medicine, specializing in Family Medicine, Addiction Medicine, and HIV Medicine. He has received national recognition for the quality and compassionate care he provides by being named Family Physician of the Year by the Indiana Academy of Family Physicians and the American Academy of Family Physicians. He’s also received the Doc Hollywood Award by the Indiana Rural Health Association for his service to rural Indiana, the Indiana State Health Commission’s Award for Exceptional Public Health Service, the Ryan White Distinguished Leadership Award, and the first ever Physician Pillar of Excellence Award by Addiction Policy Forum.
In addition to currently being the medical director for Foundations Family Medicine a division of Well Care Community Health centers, he has served in the past as the founder and executive director of the nonprofit community organization, Refresh Health; as the Medical Director of the Scott Memorial Health hospitalist program, and as Co-Director of the Rural Center of HIV/STD Prevention. He has also served on many boards of directors including the Scott County Partnership, the Indiana Academy of Family Physicians, and the Indiana University Grand Challenge to address the opioid crisis.
Dr. Cooke believes that everyone deserves equal access to hope, health, and opportunity. He explores this topic in his book called “Canary in the Coal Mine” that through the lens of the historic 2015 Scott County HIV outbreak.
Dr. Cooke frequently speaks on the topics of health equity, healthcare reform, social determinants of health, the opioid crisis, and the falling life expectancy in the United States.
EVENT DATE & DETAILSWorkshop Investment: $30 per person
Congregations with three of more members in attendance will receive a $5 discount per registrant.August 27 Event Details
Hilton Garden Inn Northwest Indianapolis
6930 Intech Blvd
Indianapolis, IN 46278
MapSeptember 10 Event Details
Parkview Field
1301 Ewing Street
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
MapShare via
