In an effort to move care beyond the walls of the hospital, Wellmont-Holston Valley Medical Center started a Parish Nurse program in July 1997. Parish nurses work closely with congregations of faith to enable the members to live enriched lives, physically, emotionally and spiritually. They serve as a facilitators and advocates focusing on prevention, wellness, and nurturing. Specific tasks of parish nurses include health education, resource person, and visitation minister. Parish nurses are not involved in hands-on invasive nursing care. Instead, they perform assessments for physical, emotional, spiritual, nutritional and environmental needs. Parish nurses inform and refer persons to physicians, health and social agencies and other professionals. The Parish nurse coordinates volunteers to provide services for the parishioners.

Colonial Heights Christian Church and Anndria Miller, RN, joined the Parish Nurse program in 1998. Wellmont Health System and the church share the cost of the program. Anndria’s office phone number with voice mail is 239- 2500, ext. 107, and she is available for appointments or consultation. Anndria and her husband, Jess, have been members of CHCC since 1990.