Clarian Health names ordained minister to new staff position

INDIANAPOLIS - Clarian Health Partners Inc. has appointed the Rev. Cyndi Alte, an Elder in the South Indiana Conference, as the Director of Congregational Health Ministries, a new staff position within Clarian. Alte's role will intersect with both the health care and faith communities.

"To be able to blend my congregational experience with my medical background in this unique way is a true gift from God."

- Cyndi Alte

Dr. Steven Ivy, senior vice-president of Values, Ethics, Social Responsibility and Pastoral Services at Clarian told Together, "Clarian is committed to improving the health of the communities that we serve. And there are no better allies for health and well-being than the church. In addition, the historic and vital connection between United Methodists in Indiana and Clarian Health Partners allows us to deepen our common missions of service. Thus, Rev. Alte's leadership will both strengthen the linkages between Clarian and United Methodists, as well as improve our capacities to serve those in need."

According to Ivy, Alte will be working in two primary areas: congregational health ministries and clergy wholeness programs. The goal of congregational health ministries is to promote collaboration between the faith and health care communities in their efforts to bring health and wholeness to spirit, body and mind. Alte also will work with parish nurse programs, wellness fairs and parish nurse training to help churches be centers of wellness in their communities.

A long time advocate of collaboration between faith and medical communities, Dan Evans, president and CEO of Clarian Health Partners Inc., said, "The importance of the joint missions of Indiana United Methodists and Clarian Health cannot be overstated. Together we can make a difference in the health of Hoosiers. I look forward to Rev. Alte's leadership in building congregations' capacities for health and wellness ministries."

Wholeness

The importance of clergy wholeness is of increasing concern to church leaders and health care institutions. Along with others at Clarian Health, Alte will work with clergy to promote the integration of spirit, body and mind to develop a closer relationship with God and strengthen their leadership. In addition, she will oversee programs that help congregations to understand their role in clergy wholeness.

Alte, an ordained pastor for 20 years and registered nurse for the previous 10 years, said, "Integration of body, mind and spirit is essential for wholeness. We can see that in the individual and we need to see more of that in our congregations. Healthy congregations make for healthy pastors - and healthy pastors make for healthy congregations. Whole and healthy congregations and pastors can get on with God's work.

"I am grateful for the vision of the Indiana Area and Clarian Health Partners that can make a powerful impact on the wholeness of our congregations and clergy. To be able to blend my congregational experience with my medical background in this unique way is a true gift from God."

Team approach

Alte will be teamed with parish nurse coordinator Pat Thorlton, R.N., and work as part of the larger Clarian pastoral services team of 30 chaplains and 10 pastoral counselors.

The work of the Director of Congregational Health Ministries is distinct from the work of a hospital chaplain, who provides direct nurture to patients and staff. It is also unlike the work of the counselors of Buchanan Counseling Center, a department of Clarian Health, who counsel clients in individual and group settings.

Alte is a graduate of United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Oho, Coastal Carolina University, and the University of Evansville. She has served as pastor in United Methodist Churches at Terre Haute, Indianapolis and in Ohio.

Last updated on 25 Apr 2008

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