The “Love Doctor” to Speak at National Black Church Health Summit

LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. – Dr. Sheron C. Patterson, senior pastor of Highland Hills United Methodist Church Dallas, Texas, will speak at the National Black Church Health Summit, being held August 5-7, 2009 at the Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center.

The Office of African-American Ministries of the Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center and Nia’s Ark, Inc. is co-hosting the summit, whose theme is “Building Bridges Between the Faith Community and Public Health,” to bring together members of the faith community, academia, health agencies and clergy leaders to address health disparities to strengthen community partnerships.

Being nationally recognized as a Christian relationship expert, Dr. Patterson has offered a helping word to many couples and had her advice broadcast via Black Entertainment Television (BET) and Jet Magazine. She has a broadcast on the syndicated ABC radio format REJOICE, called the “Love Doctor.” In addition to her experience, she is also the “relationship expert” for the Good Morning Texas television broadcast on WFAA and Channel 8.

Facing one of the biggest and most unexpected challenges of her life, Dr. Patterson was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006. She kept hope in her heart and decided to use her illness to help others by making her recovery steps public. In doing so she created a radio, print and television education/inspiration campaign to help others face their health issues at their onset.

Dr. Patterson decided to become a health and wellness advocate in hopes of helping other women who might be facing a similar struggle. Because of her determination she became the driving force behind The Patterson Pledge, a program that motivates thousands to take control of their health. In addition to her numerous projects Dr. Patterson began to collaborate with the U.S. State Department in 2007 to host international delegations of breast cancer survivors. The intent of these delegations is to inform and inspire patients and breast survivors alike.

Breast Cancer Builds, a program that Dr. Patterson launched in 2008, brings survivors of breast cancer together to build a Habitat for Humanity house. Dr. Patterson calls Breast Cancer Builds a gratitude project, because just like the other survivors, she is grateful to God to be alive and this is one way to give back. This project raises awareness about breast cancer prevention and raises funding to provide low income women with free mammograms via a second project called Mammograms for the Masses launched in 2007 with the help of two Dallas hospitals.

Dr. Patterson is also the author of eight books. She is a member of the Southern Methodist University Board of Trustees, the Dallas Assembly, Methodist Health Care System Board of Trustees, Perkins School of Theology Board of Directors and The UMR Communications Board of Directors.

For further information about the National Black Church Health Summit, go to www.lakejunaluska.com/health-summit.aspx