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You Don’t Need All the Right Words: How Faith Communities Can Help Prevent Suicide
Author: Maria Idoni, Executive Director The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – Hudson Valley/Westchester Chapter September is Suicide Prevention Month, an important opportunity to talk openly about something that too often remains hidden. When we think about suicide prevention, we may picture therapists, psychiatrists, crisis counselors, or hospitals. Yes, these professionals play essential roles, but suicide prevention also happens in ordinary places: around kitche
8 hours ago4 min read
Self-Care Is Essential. But Sometimes You Need More…
Author: Tanya Monroe, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner In recent years, our understanding of health has expanded beyond annual checkups, balanced nutrition, and regular exercise. More people now recognize that tending to our mental health deserves the same level of care. August is National Wellness Month, a time dedicated to prioritizing self-care and cultivating healthier habits. It’s a reminder that our mental, emotional, and spiri
Aug 153 min read
The Woman with the Issue of Blood: Navigating the Physical, Mental, and Spiritual Impact of Uterine Fibroids
Author: Shakira K. O’Garro, LMHC-D, LPC, LPCC, NCC, You know the feeling all too well. You're sitting and chatting with a friend, or you just killed it at your board meeting, and the next thing you know, you feel it—that unmistakable sensation of blood sliding down your backside. You quickly excuse yourself and head to the bathroom. Once you're there, you see it. If you're someone who came prepared, you might have to change clothes entirely. But if you got caught off guard by
Jul 96 min read
The Beauty and the Opportunity of the Black Church Experience
Jasmine Young, MDiv. I have spent a lifetime in the Black experience, but much of my ministry formation has taken place in a more contemporary church tradition. I know the sounds, instincts, burdens, and beauty of the Black church. I also know the language of mission, discipleship systems, evangelical strategy, and multicultural ministry. Somewhere along the way—with memories of my evangelistic upbringing in a Pentecostal movement and later settling into a small Baptist chu
Jun 236 min read
Honoring the Life & Legacy of Dr. Janell Green Smith, Midwife
~ Dr. Kim Murray Cruse, Founder As we bring Black Maternal Health Week to a close, Steadfast Women in Ministry, Inc. takes a sacred moment to remember and honor the life and legacy of Dr. Janell Green Smith. She was more than a midwife, she was a vessel of compassion, a fierce advocate, and a woman deeply anchored in faith and purpose. With skilled hands and a tender heart, she helped usher countless lives into the world with dignity, care, and reverence. Yet, Dr. Smith lost
Apr 232 min read
Honoring Her Voice, Her Strength, Her Legacy: Women’s History Month with S.W.I.M.
March is more than a moment on the calendar, it is an invitation to remember, honor, and continue the work. Women’s History Month calls us to reflect on the resilience, brilliance, and lasting impact of women across generations. At Steadfast Women in Ministry, Inc. (S.W.I.M.), this month is especially meaningful as we stand at the intersection of faith, mental health, and advocacy spaces where women have long been both the backbone and the bridge. Women have always carried st
Mar 292 min read
Guarding the Heart: Why Heart Health Matters for Women, Especially Black Women. ~Dr. Cruse, S.W.I.M. Founder
“ Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. ” — Proverbs 4:23 When Scripture tells us to “guard our hearts,” it speaks to more than our spiritual life. It is a reminder that our emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being are deeply connected. For women, especially Black women, this truth carries profound weight. The Hidden Crisis Affecting Women’s Hearts Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for women, yet it is often overlooked, mis
Feb 132 min read
Embracing the Dimensions of Wellness: A Pathway to Mental Health ~Dr. Cruse, S.W.I.M. Founder
Mental Wellness Month invites us to pause and reflect on the fullness of who we are as people created in the image of God. Wellness is not a single destination but a dynamic journey of alignment, body, soul, and spirit working together in harmony. When one dimension is strengthened, the whole person benefits. The dimensions of wellness help us understand how to care for ourselves in a way that honors God, honors our design, and honors the intricate relationship between body,
Jan 153 min read
Healthy Ways to Grieve During the Holidays by Dr. Cruse, S.W.I.M. Founder
The holiday season can be a joyful time, filled with family, food, and fellowship. But for those who’ve lost a loved one, it can also stir up deep sorrow. In the midst of the celebration, grief doesn’t recognize a holiday season. If you’re mourning, know that your feelings are valid, and there are faith-filled ways to walk through your pain with God’s guidance. Here are some ways to grieve in a healthy way as a believer: 1. Acknowledge Your Feelings Don’t try to “keep it toge
Nov 13, 20253 min read
Did you know that you have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost?
Under Section 2799B-6 of the Public Health Service Act, healthcare providers and healthcare facilities are required to inform individuals...
Mar 25, 20251 min read
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Disclaimer: The content on this website, including but not limited to text, graphics, images, and other materials, is provided for informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Steadfast Women in Ministry, Inc. makes no guarantees regarding the accuracy of the information presented here, whether from agencies, providers, or clinicians. Consumers and referring entities are encouraged to conduct their own due diligence.
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