Community Benefit
MeritCare’s relationship with faith communities has a long tradition as part of our governing structure. While the faith community’s role within MeritCare has evolved over the years, its history of connectedness continues to support patients’ spiritual and physical needs. Today, the Faith Communities Advisory Group has grown to include representatives from Protestant, Catholic, Muslim, Jewish and Native American traditional faiths, representing the rich diversity of our region.
Faith community leaders meet with MeritCare every quarter to offer suggestions and share the voice of parishioners and faith leaders with four goals in mind: To preserve the historic relationship between MeritCare and area faiths, to improve communication between MeritCare and faith communities, to give input to the Board of Directors on quality of care and services and to provide a faith-based perspective to management.
Family Healthcare Center
MeritCare Health System formalized support for the Family Healthcare Center through a Board of Directors Resolution on October 26, 2006. The Family Healthcare Center (FHC) serves a population that is medically under served and its mission is aligned with the community benefit purpose and mission of MeritCare. MeritCare administration has provided consultation services to FHC regarding operational issues such as financial, facility planning, patient flow, and information services support. We have increased transparency of the Community Care Program and enrolled the FHC in the MeritCare network. As partners, we have created a consultative model between the FHC and the MeritCare Residency Clinic to evaluate and recommend treatment plans for complex patients.
Community Health Education
MeritCare provides community health education in these topic areas: American Heart Association CPR for Family and Friends, CPR for Day Care Providers, Pulmonary Inspirations and First Aid courses. We offer a complement of courses for new families such as: Preparing an Older Sibling, How to Care for a Newborn, Infant Massage, Breastfeeding, Lamaze International Prepared Childbirth Classes, Car Seat Safety, and a Parents' Fair that covers a variety of parenting topics from newborn to teen health issues. Find out more about these educational opportunities.
Speakers Bureau and Guidelines
MeritCare is the leading health expert for our regional service area. Because of our vast knowledge and expert providers, we are often asked to address issues of interest for community and academic groups. It is our duty to inform our communities about important health issues and the services that we provide.
To request a speaker, contact Community Benefit at 234- 6951.
View a list of health care topics 
on which we provide speakers to share their expertise.