Health Ministry

Engaging Communities: Increasing Awareness and Improving Self-Advocacy

Our Mission

Improving health literacy, promoting self-advocacy, and reducing health disparities that adversely affect African-American communities, including chronic health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, while addressing mental health and other inequities that impact communities around the globe.

Our Vision

The Health Ministry of the A.M.E. Zion Church is committed to improving the health of our congregants and communities through education, empowerment, and strengthening self-advocacy in all our communities.

What We Do

Education & Outreach

Disseminate guidelines and health information through Episcopal Area Health Coordinators to local congregations.

Health Initiatives

Develop and implement public health programming to prevent disease and promote healthy lifestyles.

Policy Development

Make recommendations to the Board of Bishops on goals, proposals, and procedures for public health activities.

2024-2028 Goals & Focus Areas

Health Awareness & Education

Improving health awareness and increasing health literacy across all congregations and surrounding communities

Standardized Operations

Health Suite standards at Connectional events

Global Reach

Extending ministry with Global Missions

Expand Partnerships

Growing our team and external partners

Key Activities & Initiatives

Through health fairs, screenings, education sessions, and partnerships, we're making a real impact in communities across Zion.

General Conference Health Fair — July 2024

The A.M.E. Zion Inaugural National Health Fair was held during the historic 52nd Quadrennial General Conference in Greensboro, NC.

Over 300 registered attendees from across the country
Free health screenings and wellness resources
Early morning exercise sessions for all attendees
Break-out sessions on Breast Health, Training for Older Adults, and more

Attendees at Inaugural Health Fair

Leaders at Health Ambassador Luncheon

Connectional Council & Lay Council — July 2025

Over 85 attendees including Presiding Bishops, Missionary Supervisors, and lay leaders gathered for a special Health Ambassador's luncheon.

Presentation: "Starting/Enhancing a Health Ministry in Your Congregation"
Health Suite services with certified healthcare professionals
Chair exercise and yoga sessions with Temple Builders Fitness Ministry
Partner resources from ADA, PHEN, and more

AMEZ TV — Prescribing Positivity

Your go-to channel for holistic health and wellness hosted by the Health Ministry. Through insightful discussions, expert advice, and practical tips, we provide health information tailored to nourish the mind, body, and spirit.

700-900 views per session on average
Free virtual exercise and nutrition classes
Topics from diabetes to mental health to heart disease
Extended reach through shares and replays

Watch Here

Average Views Per Episode

Episcopal District and Local Church Support

Health Ministry Team invited by the Leadership of the North Eastern Episcopal District to present at the NEED Leadership Institute, October 2025:

Conducted two Lunchtime trainings held for Pastoral leadership in the NEED District and Laity on the topic of Enhancing Health Ministries at the Local Church level
Health Fair implemented at the Conference, bringing together over 20 participating organizations, the local health department, and local and national organizations to provide health education, free flu shots, and valuable resources to over 300 conference attendees.

Christian Education Department — Elevate 2025

Health Ministry presented at the Elevate Convention in Baltimore, December 2025.

Plenary presentation: "Sow well, live well"
Interactive workshop on Wellness and Enhancing Local Health Ministries
Participants received shareable tools and ready-to-use health ministry templates

Global Medical Missions

Rwanda Medical Mission Trip — June 2024: The Global Mission Department of the AME Zion Church, under the leadership of Bishop George D. Crenshaw, Board Chair; Reverend Dr. Dwight B. Cannon, Executive Director; and Yabo Beysolow, M.D., M.P.H., Global Medical Missions Team Lead, led a 12-day mission to Po River, Liberia, providing:

2,000+ pairs of reading glasses distributed
Free medical supplies delivered to local clinics
Health education on hypertension, diabetes, dental hygiene, and mental health

Liberia Medical/Dental Mission — April 2026: The Health Ministry led a 12-day mission to Po River, Liberia, providing free medical and dental care, health education, laboratory screenings, medications, and supplies to nearly 600 congregants and community members.

200+ laboratory specimens collected and screened, with positive results treated on-site
Medical supplies, equipment, medications, and giveaway items donated to local healthcare facilities and communities
Dental screenings, hygiene education, and free toothbrushes and toothpaste provided to children and young adults

Health Suite Operations

The Health Ministry designs and operates a mobile Health Suite with equipment and supplies for use at Board of Bishops Conferences, General Conferences, and Connectional Council Meetings.

Under the leadership of Dr. Beysolow, Health Ministry Director, and Rev. Andrea Jallah, RN, BSN, Clinical Suite Lead, a team of certified, licensed medical professionals, including registered nurses, CNAs, and CMAs, delivers quality medical care to Conference attendees during all operating hours of the conference. Services provided:

triage of presenting complaints,
referrals as needed to nearby urgent care or emergency rooms
Blood pressure and glucose screenings as indicated, with appropriate health coaching.

To request the services of the Health Ministry Team at your District or Local event, please email healthministry@amezion.org. Virtual and in-person services available.

Leadership & Accountability

National Leadership

Bishop George D. Crenshaw

Presiding Bishop, Northeastern District
Chairman, Health Committee

Dr. Iyabode Beysolow, MD, MPH

Director, Health Ministry
A.M.E. Zion Church & Global Medical Missions Director

Episcopal Area Health Coordinators & Advisors

Rev. Andrea Afolabi-Jallah, MPH, BSN, RN

South Atlantic Episcopal District Health Coordinator

Joyce H. Floyd, RN

Piedmont Episcopal District Health Coordinator

Mary Crenshaw

Alabama-Florida Episcopal District Health Coordinator

Bonita Rainey, RN, BSN

Southwestern Delta Episcopal District Health Coordinator

Kimberly Wilson

North Eastern Episcopal District Health Coordinator

Presiding Elder Rochelle McEntyre, LPN

ASHA Vital Health Consulting, LLC | Health Ministry Advisor

Our Partners & Collaborations

American Diabetes Association (ADA)

Signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding in February 2025. Dr. Beysolow advocated on Capitol Hill for continued diabetes funding and SNAP benefits.

Prostate Health Education Network (PHEN)

MOU signed January 2025. Focus on prostate health education and awareness across Zion in partnership with Men of Zion.

Temple Builders Fitness Ministry

Led by Minister Cliff Barnett Jr. — provides chair exercise, yoga, and stretching sessions.

Esteem a Total Transformation

Coach DonnaKaye Nealy — provides nutrition and fitness coaching through AMEZ TV.

Connect with Us

Email: healthministry@amezion.org

Social: The AME Zion Church Health Ministry on Facebook