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Journal of Religion and Health
Published in: Journal of Religion and Health 4/2014

01-08-2014 | Original Paper

“Deeply Woven Roots”: Health Initiatives and Community Social Services of Faith-Based Organizations of the Hidalgo County, Texas

Authors: Johnny Ramírez-Johnson, John Park, Colwick Wilson, Sharon Pittman, Héctor Luis Díaz

Published in: Journal of Religion and Health | Issue 4/2014

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Abstract

Faith-based organizations (FBO) continue to play a significant role in the lives of individuals and communities in the United States. This study focused on the contributions of FBO to the health and well-being of residents of Rio Grande Valley, South Texas. Specifically, this study examined two main areas of involvement of FBO in Hidalgo County, Texas: health initiatives and community social services. Despite their influential and historical involvement, FBO partnership in the delivery of health and social services is not well accounted for. This study explores the characteristics of the clergy, parishioners, and FBO that are associated with community health initiatives and social services. Analyses revealed that FBO deliver a remarkably wide range of services. On a weekly basis, one in six or 17 % of Hidalgo County residents were reported as receiving some form of health assistance or social services from county FBO. Variations exist depending on the characteristics of the clergy and the FBO. Policy and practice recommendations include engaging in additional networking, organizing resources, and strengthening FBO health initiatives.
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Metadata
Title
“Deeply Woven Roots”: Health Initiatives and Community Social Services of Faith-Based Organizations of the Hidalgo County, Texas
Authors
Johnny Ramírez-Johnson
John Park
Colwick Wilson
Sharon Pittman
Héctor Luis Díaz
Publication date
01-08-2014
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Religion and Health / Issue 4/2014
Print ISSN: 0022-4197
Electronic ISSN: 1573-6571
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-013-9807-x

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