Columnist Dr. Cheryl Christy

Author's note: This column is intended for educational purposes only. It aims to highlight gaps in health knowledge, provide support and empower organizations to guide their members in creating effective health and wellness programs.

As a community-focused registered nurse, I have a passionate belief and commitment to closing the health knowledge gap by offering relevant health information to the public. An effective way to do this is through Faith and Civic communities. Both are trustworthy and offer continuity, social connection and stewardship of healthy bodies, minds and spirits.

The purpose of this op-ed is to suggest a way to close the health knowledge gap by encouraging faith and civic organizations to consider new ways to incorporate health and wellness education into their communities. A low-key way to begin is to offer networking for those interested in health and wellness, place evidence-based health tips into bulletins, hold a monthly 5-10 minute "Health Moment" talk and provide a location for health and wellness handouts to include medical and mental health resources, illness prevention information and health screening guidance tools.

A higher level of health care education could include a weekly hour-long focus on specific health topics (acute vs. chronic health conditions, signs and symptoms of infection, when do you really need to go to the ER or urgent care, healthy potluck guidelines, understanding hospital discharge instructions and many other topics); a Circles of Care Health Ministry; or mental health support groups (veterans and first responders), for example.

Health care does not belong only in the ER, urgent care, hospital or VA but where people live, worship and socialize. Foley is a close and caring community consisting of many Civic and Faith institutions. It is important for the organizations to ensure that current, scholarly and evidence-based knowledge is offered. I strongly suggest that health care professionals be utilized to lead these efforts.

Dr. Cheryl Christy is a Baldwin County resident and registered nurse with nearly 30 years of experience. She holds master's degrees in nursing education and nursing practice and a doctorate in nursing practice. She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau, Phi Pi Chapter, a certified lay counselor and the author of "Voices for Healthcare," a health care blog.