MARION STATION — A local church in the area, Handy United Methodist Church, located at 5630 Tulls Corner Road, Marion, has created a network of community partners called the Somerset County Faith Based Health Awareness Network. This is a network of local churches in Somerset County along with local agencies that have a goal to increase awareness about chronic diseases that affect Somerset County residents.

“The faith based community plays a major role in the health and well-being of our community,” states, Pastor William M. Miles. “Through continued partnerships and building within the community with faith organizations and the use of health promotion and disease prevention resource and services, we can form a strong alliance to continue building strong, healthy, and productive communities within Somerset County.”

“Faith leaders are taking bigger steps to create healthier environments for worship and to promote healthy lifestyles both for members of their congregation and community residents, which is great to see,” says Crystal Bell of Somerset County Health Department.

To further this initiative, a health and awareness fair will be hosted on Saturday Feb. 10, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Woodrow Wilson Community Center located at 119 S. Seventh Street, Crisfield. There will be a free continental breakfast available form 8 to 9 and this event will be filled with kid friendly activities, resources, vendors, and more. Free childcare will be provided on site.

For more information, please contact Pastor William M. Miles of Handy United Methodist Church at 410-251-5769.