Inova’s Congregational Health Partnership Honored for Leadership in Promoting Health

Group Recognized for Health Ministries in Multi-Faith Communities

Springfield, VA – (April 17, 2008) – Inova Heath System’s Congregational Health Partnership has been named a 2007 Healthy Hero Award winner. The Healthy Hero Awards program was created by the AMERIGROUP Foundation to recognize teachers, schools, physicians and community-based organizations that have demonstrated outstanding leadership or innovation in the area of health promotion.

Inova’s Congregational Health Partnership was selected for its efforts in addressing health promotion in the context of a mind-spirit-body connection in the Northern Virginia area. The Partnership’s outreach stresses primary prevention and is innovatively done through health ministries in multi-faith communities.

“We are honored and humbled to have been recognized for the work we do in the communities we serve,” said Rev. Sandi John, MDiv, MS, RN, senior manager, Congregational Health Partnership. “To promote true wellness, one must treat the mind and the soul, as well as the body.”

In addition to distributing more than 91,000 pieces of health information this year, Inova’s Congregational Health Partnership has also had face-to-face communication with local residents over the course of more than 2,164 consultations and networking opportunities.

As part of the award, the AMERIGROUP Foundation is donating $1,000 to the Inova Health System Foundation.

Inova’s Congregational Health Partnership participated in 465 health educational events last year, and partnered with faith communities that trained 82 personal care attendants in the local Korean and Latino communities.

Inova Health System is a not-for-profit health care system based in Northern Virginia that consists of hospitals and other health services, including emergency and urgent care centers, home care, nursing homes, mental health and blood donor services, and wellness classes. Governed by a voluntary board of community members, Inova’s mission is to improve the health of the diverse community it serves through excellence in patient care, education and research. Inova provides a healthy environment for its patients, families, visitors, staff and physicians by prohibiting tobacco use on its campuses.