The CHI is based in part on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention School Health Index (http://www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth/SHI/introduction.htm.) or “SHI” and their work on School Wellness Policies. The SHI has been used nationwide in schools, guiding Wellness Teams of teachers and administrators, cafeteria staff, parents, and health professionals in developing and carrying out policy, practice and structural (building and grounds) changes that make healthy eating and physical activity the easy choice for everyone on-site.

By shifting the entire environment, instead of individuals’ behavior, more people will have access to healthy food and activity choices, and they will become second nature. Relying on willpower alone is not very effective, at least not in the long run. Children, especially, are not always able to make the best decisions for their health. It is up to us as adults to provide an atmosphere where they will have mostly, if not all, healthy options.    

Like the SHI, the Congregational Health Index or CHI includes accurate information on nutrition and physical activity, but it is shorter and simpler to use. (Haga un clic aquí, para el Índice de la Salud de Su Congregación; ahora es una copia borrador.) Another difference – Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon and Community Health Partnership: Oregon's Public Health Institute created the CHI specifically for faith-based organizations. It looks at congregations’ special food and activity traditions, typical use of religious buildings and property, and how congregations operate, keeping in mind the spiritual and religious values that guide faith communities. Your wellness team, for example, is encouraged to treat your CHI work as small group ministry and use prayers or other rituals to start and end your meetings and to shape your decisions. Click here for faith and wellness resources and inspiration.

What Else You Should Know about the CHI

Also keep in mind:

• The CHI is an educational and community organizing process; it isn’t meant for evaluating staff and volunteers.
• The CHI is a way to see how your congregation is doing right now and how you can make some improvements in your environment that promote health.  Expect some low scores.
• Many actions that come out of your Health Improvement Plan will not require new funds or extra work.
• For actions requiring new resources, CHI results can help build support for the action within your congregation and make a good case for funding requests.