The mission of Regional Church of God is being extended beyond its walls and into the broader Mingo County community through the work of Stephanie Hatfield, a WVU School of Nursing-trained Faith Community Nurse (FCN).
Hatfield, a nurse of 26 years, has been serving as an FCN for almost two years. In addition to her FCN role, Hatfield works as a quality director, risk manager, and PRN nurse at a long-term care facility. She works closely with individuals experiencing homelessness and those struggling with addiction, helping connect them to meals, housing, rehabilitation services, medical providers, specialists, and other necessary resources based on their unique circumstances.
“All of this work is rooted in faith,” Hatfield said. “We provide small but meaningful support such as warming bags in the winter and cold drinks in the summer. Having witnessed the impact of addiction firsthand within my own family, friends, and loved ones, I am deeply committed to meeting people where they are and offering help when they are ready to receive it.”
Hatfield’s current goal is to reach the most vulnerable populations where they are and walk alongside them in their journey through life. She strives to let individuals know they are cared for and valued, regardless of their circumstances, while helping connect them to both short- and long-term resources that can improve their quality of life.
“We do not always know what someone has been through, but we can choose to show kindness and compassion,” Hatfield said. “I believe it is the small acts of kindness and one-on-one conversations that have the greatest impact. I simply want to be someone who says, ‘Here I am, Lord, send me,’ and be willing to listen, pray, and help guide others toward hope and healing, to show love to others.”
Over the past year, her work as an FCN has included providing health education and guidance within the community, assisting individuals with accessing medical care and specialist referrals, supporting individuals experiencing homelessness and substance use challenges, distributing essential items such as warming bags and seasonal supplies, participating in outreach efforts and community support initiatives, and assisting with disaster relief supply efforts, collaborating with the health department on harm reduction initiatives, including Narcan distribution, planning and preparing to provide CPR education to community members, supporting meal distribution efforts, home visits, Kicks for Kids, hygiene gift bags for kids, health screenings for the church members and the community, and A Word and a Walk.
"The work that Stephanie is doing within the communities of Mingo County speaks to the level of support that a faith community nurse can provide within their own community," said Dr. Angel Smothers, Associate Dean for Community Engagement at the WVU School of Nursing.
When asked why she thinks FCN is important, Hatfield said, “It takes a holistic approach to care, addressing not only physical health but also spiritual well-being. In many cases, spiritual support is just as important, if not more, than physical care. This role allows nurses to build trust, provide compassion, and meet individuals on a deeply personal level. It is a meaningful path for nurses who feel called to serve beyond traditional clinical settings.”
Funding for this work has been made possible through the Pallottine Foundation of Huntington. If a nurse is interested in taking the training, please feel free to reach out to Dr. Smothers at asmothers@hsc.wvu.edu. Scholarship support is available for nurses in counties supported by this foundation.
-WVU-
sm/7/23/2026
MEDIA CONTACT: Wendy Holdren
Director of Communications and Marketing
WVU School of Nursing
304-581-1772; wendy.holdren@hsc.wvu.edu