At a glance
As faith leaders, you play a vital role in keeping your congregations safe and healthy. These messages, talking points, and ready-to-use content are available for you to share in sermons, social media, or announcements. Together, we can care for one another and protect our most vulnerable community members.
Overview
As leaders and members of faith-based organizations, you know your communities well. As trusted leaders, you can share health information in an effective and motivating manner. You know the people in your community who might be at higher risk of getting very sick from respiratory illnesses. Faith-based organizations like yours are uniquely positioned to reach out to people and help keep them healthy during respiratory illness season.
These resources can help you and your organization raise awareness about how community members can reduce their risk of serious illness.
How to use these messages and materials
You can use this shareable content as you see fit, in sermons, bulletins and social media posts. Here are some examples of how you might use these messages and materials:
- Share key messages as ready-made bulletin inserts or in weekly newsletters
- Post tailored health tips on your organization’s social media channels
- Use the key messages below in sermons or small group settings
- Display posters or handouts in common areas (e.g., kitchens, fellowship halls, nurseries)
- Share your own personal story or reflections about steps you’ve taken to protect yourself and your family from respiratory illness and why it’s important to you
Other actions to consider
- Offer hybrid or online service options, when possible, to allow those who are sick or recovering to participate
- Host a health and wellness event or Q&A sessions with local clinicians or public health partners
Key messages
Below are suggestions to adapt respiratory illness key messages for faith-based communities and organizations.
Prepare and protect
Share this video with your congregation and neighbors about how they can reduce their risk this season.
Tailor this messaging for your congregation and neighbors
“Caring for our health is one way we show love for one another. By washing our hands, letting in fresh air, staying home when we’re sick, and keeping up with recommended vaccines, we help protect our families and our congregation.”
Sample social media post
Protecting our health is an act of care for our community. Wash your hands, stay home when sick, and get recommended vaccines so we can continue worshipping together safely this season.
Know your risk
Help your congregants understand their own risks as well as current respiratory illness activity in your community. Remember that these individuals may be at higher risk for severe illness:
- Older adults (age 65 years and older)
- Young children (especially those younger than 2 years)
- People with certain underlying medical conditions
Encourage people to learn about how much certain respiratory illnesses are spreading in your community. Visit CDC’s Respiratory Illness community snapshot. Here, you can search your state/territory or county to view information on COVID-19, flu, and RSV in your community.
Tailor this messaging for your congregation and neighbors
“Scripture calls us to look out for those who need support. During colder months, respiratory illnesses increase, and older adults, young children, and those with certain medical conditions face the greatest risk. By taking precautions, we protect not just ourselves but those most in need of our care.”
Sample social media post
Protecting those most in need is part of our calling. This season, take steps to reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses, so we can keep our families and congregations safe.
Stay healthy and informed
Encourage your congregation to connect with trusted sources in their lives. People like faith leaders and healthcare providers can help them find guidance and local resources.
Tailor this messaging for your congregation and neighbors
“Just as we turn to trusted leaders for spiritual guidance, we can turn to trusted health professionals for guidance on staying healthy. Staying informed helps us make wise choices to keep ourselves and our congregation well.”
Resources
These resources might be useful to make available to your congregants or post in common areas:
