Medical ministry provides screenings, clothing, food

Published: July 19, 2018 | Updated: May 14, 2019

Putting your skills to work for a greater cause is a trait many in the medical field possess, and Renate “Roni” Evans, R.N., is no exception. She is part of a team at her church that provides medical services and ministry to many in our community.

Roni, a nurse at Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital, sees firsthand the impact of poor health habits. She works alongside cardiologists as they perform cardiac catheterization procedures to clear blocked arteries.

The desire to help patients carries over to her personal life. Roni and fellow parishioners of Middletown United Methodist Church in Louisville provide triage and medical intervention to people in the community who are homeless, refugees or marginalized.

Roni and her fellow church members started their medical ministry four years ago through a Touched Twice Clinic, a national program that offers health screenings, clothing and food along with ministry support.

Roni led the ministry’s medical screenings team. The demand was high, and the church wanted to do more. The Rev. Nancy Tinnell, associate pastor for discipleship, secured a grant to purchase and outfit a mobile medical unit. The $55,000 unit allows those in medical need to be seen by an advanced practice provider in a private setting.

Roni volunteers a few hours each week serving where she is needed most. Usually she can be found restocking supplies in the mobile unit, making phone calls to coordinate volunteers or triaging participants at a screening event.

“Roni is an invaluable resource to our service to the community,” Tinnell said. “She provides great leadership on the governance board and served as the author in writing our procedure manuals. She is a great example of someone who uses their professional skills to contribute to ministry.”

Roni and her husband, Fred, make volunteering a family affair. Both volunteer at screening events, and she credits him for “working the crowd,” making everyone feel welcome and encouraging them to be screened.

“I really enjoy being part of the team,” Roni said. “And I’m very appreciative of the support Norton Healthcare provides through Norton Faith & Health Ministries. I’m proud to work for an organization that encourages giving back and provides resources to organizations that are doing so.”