By Samuel Knox | UniteNews Staff
OSAGE BEACH, Mo. — Faith and public health leaders from across the state gathered March 11–12, 2026, at the Inn at Grand Glaize for the second annual Faith & Health Summit, an initiative of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Office of Minority Health and Health Equity.
The two-day event highlighted the growing partnership between congregations, health organizations, and state agencies working together to improve health outcomes and expand access to resources across Missouri communities.
Faith Leaders and Health Experts Set the Tone
Day One opened with greetings and reflection as Angel Surdin of the Office of Minority Health and Health Equity welcomed attendees from across the state. An invocation from Pastor Darryl Minner of Pilgrim’s Rest Missionary Baptist Church set the spiritual tone, followed by opening remarks from DHSS Director Sarah Willson.
The morning keynote was delivered by Rev. Eric Williams of Calvary Temple Baptist Church, who challenged attendees to view faith communities as catalysts for both spiritual and physical healing. Williams emphasized that houses of worship often serve as trusted anchors in neighborhoods where health disparities remain persistent.
That message was reinforced during a data presentation from the DHSS Bureau of Health Care Analysis and Data Dissemination. Presenter Andy Hunter, shared new research on cardiovascular health trends across Missouri. Their findings revealed continuing disparities among rural residents and communities of color—an issue summit organizers say requires coordinated community action.
Faith Communities as First Responders
During the luncheon keynote, Marcia Davis of the DHSS Office of Emergency Coordination presented “Sanctuaries of Hope: The Critical Role of Faith Communities in Disaster Relief.”
Davis described how churches and faith-based organizations frequently become informal command centers during crises—from tornado recovery to public health emergencies. In many communities, she noted, congregations provide food distribution, shelter coordination, and trusted communication channels long before formal systems are fully mobilized.
Nutrition for All
Afternoon sessions turned attention to food access and nutrition through a panel titled “Nutrition for All.” The discussion featured Angie Oesterly (WIC and Nutrition Services), Sarah Walker (Community Food and Nutrition Assistance), Lisa Lauer (Community Health and Wellness), and Jordanna McLeod (Senior Programs).
Speakers highlighted partnerships between the state and local congregations that help extend food assistance programs to families and seniors. One example is the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), which provides monthly food packages to seniors age 60 and older who meet income guidelines.
In addition to presentations, attendees participated in CPR training demonstrations, practicing life-saving techniques in a hands-on “Two Steps to Save a Life” session. Surdin concluded the first day by encouraging participants to continue strengthening partnerships that advance health equity across Missouri.
Supporting the “Sandwich Generation”
Day Two began with networking over breakfast before a panel focused on the “Sandwich Generation,” adults who care simultaneously for children and aging parents.
Panelists included Yvette Chambers and Nan Macklin of MU ParentLink, Jill Cigliana of Memory Care Home Solutions, Sarah Lovegreen of the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Missouri Chapter, and Heather Collier of the Southeast Missouri Food Bank.
Their conversation explored the emotional, financial, and physical demands placed on caregivers—and the need for coordinated support systems.
A key resource discussed was the Kinship Navigator Program, whose mission is “Supporting Families, Raising Families.” The initiative provides personalized guidance for grandparents, relatives, and other caregivers raising children outside the formal foster care system.
Celebrating Faith-Based Health Outreach
Later in the morning, wellness took center stage as fitness instructor Estelle Brooks of “FIT 4 U IS 4 U” led an energizing movement session.
The 2026 Faith and Health Showcase followed, featuring video messages from pastors across the state, including Lamonte Calvin, Pastor Minner, and Leana Mahaney. Each shared stories of how their congregations are addressing health challenges—from hosting screenings to providing wellness education and community outreach.
The summit concluded with remarks from Alicia Jenkins of the Division of Community and Public Health, followed by a benediction from Adrian Hendricks II of The Joshua House Church.
In her final announcements, Surdin reaffirmed the shared commitment that brought participants together: strengthening Missouri communities through collaboration rooted in faith, health, and hope.
Faith Leaders and Health Experts Set the Tone
Day One opened with greetings and reflection as Angel Surdin of the Office of Minority Health and Health Equity welcomed attendees from across the state. An invocation from Pastor Darryl Minner of Pilgrim’s Rest Missionary Baptist Church set the spiritual tone, followed by opening remarks from DHSS Director Sarah Willson.
The morning keynote was delivered by Rev. Eric Williams of Calvary Temple Baptist Church, who challenged attendees to view faith communities as catalysts for both spiritual and physical healing. Williams emphasized that houses of worship often serve as trusted anchors in neighborhoods where health disparities remain persistent.
That message was reinforced during a data presentation from the DHSS Bureau of Health Care Analysis and Data Dissemination. Presenter Andy Hunter, shared new research on cardiovascular health trends across Missouri. Their findings revealed continuing disparities among rural residents and communities of color—an issue summit organizers say requires coordinated community action.
Faith Communities as First Responders
During the luncheon keynote, Marcia Davis of the DHSS Office of Emergency Coordination presented “Sanctuaries of Hope: The Critical Role of Faith Communities in Disaster Relief.”
Davis described how churches and faith-based organizations frequently become informal command centers during crises—from tornado recovery to public health emergencies. In many communities, she noted, congregations provide food distribution, shelter coordination, and trusted communication channels long before formal systems are fully mobilized.
Nutrition for All
Afternoon sessions turned attention to food access and nutrition through a panel titled “Nutrition for All.” The discussion featured Angie Oesterly (WIC and Nutrition Services), Sarah Walker (Community Food and Nutrition Assistance), Lisa Lauer (Community Health and Wellness), and Jordanna McLeod (Senior Programs).
Speakers highlighted partnerships between the state and local congregations that help extend food assistance programs to families and seniors. One example is the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), which provides monthly food packages to seniors age 60 and older who meet income guidelines.
In addition to presentations, attendees participated in CPR training demonstrations, practicing life-saving techniques in a hands-on “Two Steps to Save a Life” session. Surdin concluded the first day by encouraging participants to continue strengthening partnerships that advance health equity across Missouri.
Supporting the “Sandwich Generation”
Day Two began with networking over breakfast before a panel focused on the “Sandwich Generation,” adults who care simultaneously for children and aging parents.
Panelists included Yvette Chambers and Nan Macklin of MU ParentLink, Jill Cigliana of Memory Care Home Solutions, Sarah Lovegreen of the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Missouri Chapter, and Heather Collier of the Southeast Missouri Food Bank.
Their conversation explored the emotional, financial, and physical demands placed on caregivers—and the need for coordinated support systems.
A key resource discussed was the Kinship Navigator Program, whose mission is “Supporting Families, Raising Families.” The initiative provides personalized guidance for grandparents, relatives, and other caregivers raising children outside the formal foster care system.
Celebrating Faith-Based Health Outreach
Later in the morning, wellness took center stage as fitness instructor Estelle Brooks of “FIT 4 U IS 4 U” led an energizing movement session.
The 2026 Faith and Health Showcase followed, featuring video messages from pastors across the state, including Lamonte Calvin, Pastor Minner, and Leana Mahaney. Each shared stories of how their congregations are addressing health challenges—from hosting screenings to providing wellness education and community outreach.
The summit concluded with remarks from Alicia Jenkins of the Division of Community and Public Health, followed by a benediction from Adrian Hendricks II of The Joshua House Church.
In her final announcements, Surdin reaffirmed the shared commitment that brought participants together: strengthening Missouri communities through collaboration rooted in faith, health, and hope.
