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Today, Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams and The Brooklyn Hospital group of Brooklyn clergy announced the Clergy Healthy Lifestyle Challenge, a 12-week program that began this month with the goal of involving faith leaders in a healthy lifestyle program that will provide tools to get healthier and, in turn, spread the word — and the guidelines they learn — to their communities. Borough President Adams, a staunch advocate of preventive medicine, highlighted the pivotal role that clergy can play in influencing public health outcomes in their congregations.

“Our faith leaders are in a unique position to support us mind, body, and soul,” said Borough President Adams. “By modeling healthy behaviors and guiding their congregations in wellness and spirit, they have the opportunity to restore hope for those struggling with their health. My own health seemed hopeless a little over two years ago. I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, nearly lost my vision, and had permanent nerve damage. But after I switched to a whole food plant-based diet, my symptoms reversed in just three months. I’m excited to welcome members of Brooklyn’s clergy on this health journey so they, too, can experience the transformative power of food and share it with their members.”

A plant-based diet is one of several healthy plans the clergy were supplied with from TBHC’s family medicine team, headed by Chair Sherly Abraham, MD. “Our healthcare providers actively promote healthy lifestyles and diets to our patients,” says Dr. Abraham. “We are very excited to be part of this dynamic initiative where we will measure the weight-loss progress of the participants and supply ongoing support and education every week at the hospital.”

TBHC has a history of working with the borough’s faith leaders. “We host regular breakfasts with clergy to better understand the health needs of the communities they serve,” says Gilda Caputo-Hansen, director of community affairs for TBHC. “Throughout the year, TBHC also attends health events hosted by various houses of worship throughout the borough where we provide lectures, screening and education.”

Clergy who are participating in the challenge are Nahed Abuella of Multicultural Community Organization of New York, Pastor Eric Darrisaw of Glorious Temple Church of God in Christ, Pastor Gwen Dingle of Pentecostal House of Prayer, Pastor Preston Harrington of Co-Faith Christian Church, Elisa Hligar of Christian Cultural Center, Pastor Trevor Hyde of Berean Baptist Church, Reverend Marilyn Jackson of Unity East Church Center, Pastor Joseph J. Jones of Mount Hermon Baptist Church, Reverend Dr. Fred Lucas of Brooklyn Community Church, Pastor Gilford T. Monrose of Mt. Zion Church of God 7th Day, Pastor Laurel Scott of Newman Memorial United Methodist Church, Pastor Joseph Turner of Ninth Tabernacle Beth-El, and Pastor Heraclio John Wyatt, Jr. of Apostolic Faith Mission.

Since 1845, TBHC has provided outstanding health services, education and research to its Brooklyn community. TBHC’s focus is ensuring optimal patient care through staff expertise and the use of advanced technology and innovative medical and surgical treatments. Located in the heart of Downtown Brooklyn, TBHC is a clinical affiliate of The Mount Sinai Hospital and an academic affiliate of The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. As Brooklyn’s first hospital, TBHC is proud to be a part of an incredibly diverse borough and is committed to “Keeping Brooklyn Healthy.” For more information about TBHC, visit tbh.org or call (718) 250-8000.