Congregations express mental health as a top concern for their communities. EHF’s Congregational Engagement team strives to reduce stigma and combat misconceptions by partnering with congregations to address mental health. EHF provides support for congregations to foster community partnerships in their effort to develop and sustain community-based mental health initiatives.

“Dream with me about an Episcopal Church health mission which understands that health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” – Bishop Andy Doyle

Communities and congregations are formed by relationships and interactions with one another. Good mental health is integral to those relationships. EHF supports congregations interested in creating connections and promoting the mental health and well-being of people in our communities.

Congregations and communities can improve lives not only through improving access to care, but also by cultivating communities that encourage all dimensions of wellness and are inclusive, welcoming, and supportive across all forms of diversity.

Support for Deeper Community Partnerships
EHF’s Congregational Engagement team can partner with your church and their work in supporting mental health by…
– Offering trainings for Mental Health First Aid and Suicide Prevention for your congregation and community.
– Bringing together a Mental Health Learning Community for congregations to deepen their mental health strategies to promote mental health and wellbeing in their communities.

Stories from the Diocese of Texas
These examples are articles found in our bi-monthly e-newsletter, Congregation Connection, which tell stories of congregations in action, partners with expertise in the area, and general related topics.

– Mental Health Ministry: Pandemic Wins, Losses, And What’s Next? – See how Christ Episcopal Church, Cedar Park made community mental health outreach a priority and adapted to new needs during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

– What do Texans say are their most important health policy priorities? – EHF’s research team shares the results of our Foundation’s latest statewide survey reporting on Texans’ views on health policy and healthcare affordability.

– Beyond Mental Health First Aid: Community Engagement for Mental Health – Discover two congregations partnering with communities to improve mental health with strategic planning support from EHF.

Additional Resources
Visit our Mental Health Resources Page  for a list of local, statewide and national agencies and community organizations. We currently work alongside these organizations and are familiar with the value of their work.