The Carter Center was founded by former President Jimmy Carter. The FHC was established by the Carter Center Interfaith and Health Program. Its mission includes introducing future religious and health leaders to expanded definitions and practices of faith and health during professional training. Just a few years ago, the faith factor was not readily acknowledged in the main stream education of public health professionals and health care providers, said Sharon Homan, Ph.D., associate professor of community health at Saint Louis University School of Public Health.
Local churches are a critical base for promoting the health and well-being of community members.
Personal faith and spirituality as well as communal life s sacred rituals, traditions and values are vital to a healthy person and healthy community. The Carter Center recognized Saint Louis University as a leader in public health education. Recently, Dr. Homan and the School of Public Health initiated community partnerships, research activities and interdisciplinary curricula to strengthen and expand the university's efforts in teaching future public health and health care workers about well- being and spirituality. A matching award was given to Saint Louis University by the Marchetti Jesuit Endowment Fund. These resources will be used to coordinate the St. Louis consortium site and create interdisciplinary learning opportunities for faculty and students in schools of theology, public health, public policy, law, nursing, social work, and medicine.