Faith Community Parish Nurses

Since 2001, the EAMC Parish Nurses have been serving the community through programs in churches as well as other sites, such as community health fairs (including an annual Hispanic health fair).

The Parish Nurse Program provides the opportunity for registered nurses employed by EAMC to serve in their congregation or faith group. Here at Holy Trinity, we are fortunate to have one such nurse who serves us: Carolyn Galli.

These nurses seek to reclaim the healing ministry of the faith community and serve as bridges between the community of faith and the medical community. The group currently is active in more than 20 congregations in Lee, Macon, and Chambers counties.

The Parish Nurses provide health education on a different topic each quarter, and students in the Auburn University School of Nursing check blood pressures and give flu shots or test blood sugars, depending on what topic is featured. Other groups participate as well, including the EAMC Diabetes and Nutrition Center, the Cancer Center of East Alabama (which provides free PSA tests for prostate cancer), and more.

In September 2009, the Parish Nurses and EAMC started providing weekly chronic disease management services at the Darden House on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. until noon, and see patients with heart failure, hypertension and diabetes. Most patients are referred by EAMC, although walk-ins are welcome. The parish nurses check blood pressures, monitor glucose levels, and check weights and calf circumferences. They also offer health education and provide referrals to other area resources.

Each year, the East Alabama Medical Center Parish Nurse Program serves approximately 6,000 people in our communities, providing care, support, and health education.

For more information or if you have questions regarding your health, please email Holy Trinity’s Faith Community Parish Nurse, Carolyn Galli.