Six Churches Tapped for Emotional Fitness Campaign

The Commercial Appeal Newspaper of Memphis,Tennessee had an awesome article on the new Emotional Fitness Centers of Tennessee! This is definitely a plus for the Faith Community in Memphis,Tennessee.

Commercial Appeal Article by Mary Powers

State Mental Health Commissioner Virginia Betts was in Memphis this week to help launch an effort designed to tap the credibility of churches to persuade those struggling with problems including depression, anxiety or substance abuse to seek help.The state is funding emotional fitness centers at six Memphis churches. The centers offer free access to counselors, emotional fitness screenings, a nurse practitioner, support groups and referrals to additional local mental health services.

Organizers hope to reach those who have traditionally shunned mental health services such as counseling or medication for fear of being labeled crazy, said Pastor Dianne P. Young, project director and co-pastor of The Healing Center Full Gospel Baptist Church.

She said the program reflects her husband’s long-standing efforts to combine faith and mental health. Pastor William Young is the Healing Center pastor and a licensed counselor and marriage and family therapist.”Pastors can give people permission” to admit they need help and seek support, she added. The Member Churches are listed below.

Member Churches

The Healing Center, 3885 Tchulahoma;

First Baptist Broad, 2849 Broad;

Christ Missionary Baptist Church, 494 S. Parkway East;

Cummings Street Baptist Church, 250 Raines;

New Direction Christian Church, 6120 Winchester;

Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, 491 McLemore.

Read the Entire Commercial Appeal Article on the new Emotional Fitness Centers of Tn.

Emotional Fitness Center.Org