Pastors begin blood screenings for Clergy Care

Southwest Texas Conference pastors have already begun the first round of blood screenings as part of a new clergy wellness program.
Called “Clergy Care,” the voluntary wellness effort began Sept. 1. The two-year pilot program was one of four key legislative initiatives adopted by the June 7-10 annual conference session in Corpus Christi.
Participants began blood screenings this week in Austin and San Antonio. Additional screenings are scheduled for:
> Sept. 26 at Mount Wesley Conference Center, Kerrville.
> Sept. 28 at First UMC, Corpus Christi.
Pastors can register for those sessions by contacting Isabel Munoz at (888) 349-4191 or the Rev. Rick Waters at (210) 382-4586.
Clergy members who can’t make one of the screening sessions can have blood work done by their physician, said Waters, director of health and education.
Program participants need to complete a blood screen and an online health risk assessment before Oct. 13, Waters said. They must complete a physical examination and wellness conversation before Dec. 31.
A $156,000 grant from Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas is paying for much of the program. It is designed to promote physical, mental, spiritual and relational wellness of pastors.
Participants receive a cash incentive, Waters noted. Conference health insurance covers all fees. The Clergy Care program reimburses pastors for travel to blood screenings and exams.