Believe me, I’d like to tell you the healthcare crisis exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic is over. However, the challenges facing our healthcare workforce, including people who work in pre-hospital EMS, local or tribal public health, hospitals, clinics, and post-acute care, such as skilled nursing homes and home care, remain at a critical level. As we approach the official end of the national healthcare emergency, our healthcare workforce is short-staffed, stressed, and exhausted, which, combined with other factors, is creating a different kind of healthcare crisis.
As a former ordained pastor, hospital Chaplain, and now healthcare Emergency Preparedness consultant, I see the signs of this next healthcare crisis on a daily basis. The number of healthcare workers at all levels of care in the state has decreased significantly in the past three years (WHA - 2022).
Skilled nursing homes, home-based care services, and volunteer EMS agencies struggle to find qualified employees and volunteers to fill open positions. As our population ages, the demand for acute and post-acute care will continue to rise and yet many in our healthcare workforce report burnout and moral distress. How can faith communities help?
1. Recognize and Show Gratitude
Dedicate time to name and thank individuals who work in all aspects of health care from pre-hospital to post-acute care, and direct and ancillary staff. Ask them how they want to be thanked, as this tends to be a humble crowd. A simple, handwritten note goes a long way.
2. Small Groups
Like many other professions, healthcare workers have a unique culture and are bound together by similar work expectations and experiences. Peer support is highly valued and may be a welcome addition to your small group ministry.
3. Pray Boldly
Individual and communal prayer offers an opportunity to name the reality of our world and ask for God’s guidance as we navigate through challenging times. Pray for the sick and grieving and pray for healing and hope for those who struggle in mind, body, and spirit. Pray for strength, compassion, rest, and resilience for our healthcare workers. We will all need them at some point in our lives.
4. Educate
As people of faith, we seek to support the whole person. How does your congregation support the health and wellness of your congregants and community? Consider providing opportunities to build personal and community resistance to stress, resiliency, and recovery. Host classes on mindfulness and other wellness practices. Bring in an expert to discuss end-of-life care and Advance Directives to encourage planning and conversation before the medical crisis occurs.
5. Sponsor
One barrier for some people interested in volunteering for local fire or ambulance service is the cost of training and number of hours required for ongoing education and service. Consider financially sponsoring someone who would be a great addition to the local EMS team in your community or find others within the congregation who may be willing to provide short-notice child care. Encourage young people to attend exploratory camps for fire or EMS or health care professions.
6. Promote Health Equity
Health equity is a fancy term for saying everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to attain their highest level of health. Barriers to health equity include disparities in economics, limited access to health care services, and a lack of social and community connection. Faith communities can play a crucial role in health equity by raising awareness of disparities, building strong community outreach, and advocacy.
There is no quick fix for the majority of these issues, but as communities of faith, we have an opportunity and responsibility to offer help where it may matter most, proving hope.
— Aimee Wollman Nesseth, M.Div. MS., is with NWWI Healthcare Emergency Readiness Coalition (NWWIHERC) and AIM Consulting LLC supporting the Office of Preparedness and Emergency Health Care. This column is in coordination with Wisconsin Council of Churches. Contact Aimee Wollman Nesseth at aimee@optimaep.com.
