One Brooklyn Health’s Gospel Fest celebrates physical and spiritual wellness
Local institutions such as faith and cultural centers can be effective and fruitful partners for providers to improve community health and wellness and build trust. Recognizing the importance of faith and music to its diverse and devout community, One Brooklyn Health created an annual Gospel Fest 15 years ago to celebrate the connection between spiritual and physical wellness.
The event is co-hosted and produced by OBH in collaboration with Pastor Gilford T. Monrose of Mt. Zion Church of God 7th Day and Brooklyn Center for Quality of Life. Performers come from all sectors of the community, including church choirs, musical ministries, independent artists and drama teams. One highlight is the One Brooklyn Health Gospel Choir, a unique ensemble of healthcare staff from all three OBH hospitals — Kingsbrook, Brookdale and Interfaith. Performers across departments deliver heartfelt performances that embody the faith and togetherness of the OBH community.
This community-building effort strengthens engagement around health education, screenings and early detection programs targeted at social determinants of health, especially as it pertains to cultural sensitivity around navigating the healthcare space. The event and ongoing partnership with the faith community also strengthens the dialogue between OBH and the community, ensuring OBH is supplying the care its community needs and that it can be accessed with ease.
Around 200 people attended this year’s gospel fest. Everyone from patients to staff — including residents from the One Brooklyn Health Assisted Living — to consultants, partners and community members came together to partake in an inspiring evening of gospel music and fellowship.
For more information, contact Amanda Barrett, public relations specialist, at amanda.barrett@obhny.org or 718.604.5064.
