Nurse Program

Providing free, community health care services and resources that focus on the needs of the whole person - physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Jesus Heals the Blind Man

As the trends in healthcare continue to change, creative partnerships between healthcare providers and the community are being established. Faith communities have historically promoted health and wholeness of body, mind and spirit. For centuries, they have provided settings and resources where wellness can be addressed in a holistic manner.

St. Mark's Community Health Services is developing a network of partnerships with all -faith communities as well as other community health care agencies. (e. g. Manatee County Health Department). These partnerships will help to improve physical, psychological and spiritual health and well being as well as provide supportive services in dealing with today's healthcare environment.

St. Mark's Parish Nurse Program seeks to provide a variety of holistic healthcare services to its congregation and community which include health education and screening, counseling, coordinating and training volunteers, acting as a referral agent and liaison to the medical community and integrating faith and health.

Mission and History

St. Basil The Great

St. Mark's Community Health Services and its Parish Nurse Program exist to create a healthier community through implementing creative and innovative holistic health services that focus on health promotion, prevention and education. Through collaborative and cooperative efforts with other faith communities, healthcare professionals and community agencies, the community is assisted in maintaining optimal health and wellness as well as accessing additional resources for physical, emotional and spiritual well being.
The ideal for holistic health care is deeply rooted in the Eastern Christian Church. The care of both body and soul is an ancient Tradition, fundamental principle and mission of the Church. Many holy men and women throughout the centuries have undertaken the mission. One of these men was Basil the Great (+379), a bishop and doctor in Asia Minor, who had a strong practical sympathy with the poor and afflicted. Among his greatest works, Basil provided at Caesarea an estate, which included dwelling-houses, a church, a hospital for the sick, a hospice for travelers, and a staff of doctors, nurses and artisans.
Later called the Basilead, this house for the care of friendless strangers and the medical treatment of the sick poor, was located in the suburbs and attained such importance that it later became practically the center of a new city. It is largely due to his vision and mission that we began this Parish Nurse Ministry here at St. Mark's.

Vision

St. Mark's Community Health Services will:

• Improve the health status and quality of life of those we serve.
  
• Be interdisciplinary, interfaith and inclusive in its provision of services.
• Be an advocate to support the role of faith communities in health and healing.
• Be an active voice in support of transforming our health care system.
• Provide quality services that are compassionate, imaginative and respond to our changing health care environment.

List of Services:

• Parish Nursing
• Health Screenings
• Health Ministry Training
• Health and Wellness Forums
• Individual/Family Consultations
• Health and Safety Assessments
• Services of Prayer for Health and Healing with Anointing
• Educational Resources and Referrals

Everyone is welcome regardless of age, gender, creed, race, financial status, or religious preference.
You may contact us at: 941.747.5989.