The COSHAR Foundation Reaches Milestone of Over 10,000 Churches Enrolled in the National Health Ministry Network

Chevy Chase, MD, January 01, 2008 --(PR.com)-- The COSHAR Foundation Inc. is a non-profit 501 c 3 organization headquartered in Washington, DC with a national reach and satellite offices in NC and other states. The Foundation’s goal is to “Impact the Health of the World, One Community at a Time” and is recognized throughout the country for its work in disadvantaged communities. The initiatives have focused on a variety of health disorders/diseases which include depression, hypertension, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, asthma, cardiovascular health, gender specific health issues and a host of other issues. The Foundation is committed to increasing awareness around health literacy, understanding the healthcare system, access to prescription drug coverage in seniors, minority health and health information.

The COSHAR Foundation reached new milestones in 2007 with the full implementation of its healthcare advisory board which is composed of physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals from around the country. Further, the COSHAR Foundation's volunteer network grew at rates above the expectations of the Board of Directors. "We are so very pleased with our successes in 2007; however, we do not rest on our laurels but rather realize that there is an even greater need for The COSHAR Foundation, our advisory boards, volunteers and most importantly our National Health Ministry Network. The Foundation’s board has given clear direction for 2008 with an aggressive health campaign that our staff is ready to implement," says Dr. Sharon Allison-Ottey the Executive Director and Director of Health and Community Initiatives of The COSHAR Foundation.

The Foundation has also established a database of over 10,000 churches and faith based organizations as well as community organizations called the National Health Ministries Network (NHMN), which provides for communication, program development and implementation and dissemination of information to the network. The NHMN is open to all faiths, communities and is non denominational in reach. The NHMN now has churches/communities of faith and/or community organizations in all 50 states and several international countries. It is estimated that the Foundation reaches well over 12 million persons through the NHMN’s congregants.

The COSHAR Foundation serves members of the NHMN at no cost and provides resources that are geared to faith based outreach. In 2004 the Foundation embarked on an ambitious attempt to provide a resource guide entitled “Tool Kit for Health Ministries” for newly established or seasoned health ministries. This toolkit was updated in 2007 and distributed to thousands of churches and community organizations. "The toolkit from The COSHAR Foundation is invaluable to my congregation and our health ministry. We have participated in several programs with the Foundation and are grateful for the opportunity to reach our members with good, solid information and tools that they can use," says Rev. Milliken, a Pastor of a church who joined the NHMN in 2006.
The Foundation continues to expand its borders and influence the health and well being of its partners. The NHMN is open to all faith based organizations including churches, mosques, etc… and does not discriminate based on religious tenets or theology. The purpose of the NHMN is to provide health resources, not religious resources and this difference has helped the Foundation serve the entire spectrum of religious/civic organizations. It is important for the Board of Directors of The COSHAR Foundation to continue to emphasize that while the Foundation works closely with faith based organizations; the Foundation itself is a private Foundation and not structured as a faith organization.

"The COSHAR Foundation's national health ministry network began as an idea of volunteers and staff in response to what we believed was an unmet need in communities across the country. The "church" has long been central to the fabric of America and especially to the minority community. However, the church needs help, support and direction in addressing health and health concerns. The COSHAR Foundation has been able to fill those needs and is a trusted resource." Dr. Allison-Ottey remains passionate and committed to continuing the work of the Foundation. "While we have reached a major milestone, I am constantly reminded when I see the rates of HIV/AIDS, obesity, heart disease, diabetes, depression and other mental conditions that there is much work to be done. We have partners around the country that we have equipped and continue to work with in our effort to bring a message of health and wellness to ears and hearts that are willing to make a change. The COSHAR Foundation simply wants to provide guidance, support and fuel to push persons forward into better health."

For more information:

The COSHAR Foundation
2 Wisconsin Circle
Suite 700 #227
Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815
Phone: (301) 773 4811
www.cosharfoundation.org

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