In June, Elizabethtown College will host in collaboration with WellSpan Health, “Health & Well-being in Amish Society,” a three-day multidisciplinary conference focused on health, healing, health care, and individual and community welfare and well-being in Amish life.

The conference will provide a forum for exploring the intersection of medical and cultural factors in understanding and promoting health, healing, and well-being; enhancing service to Plain communities in culturally sensitive ways; learning about new developments in Amish-related medical research, and considering questions of health care policy and access for a distinctive minority population. Discover more at: etown.edu/amish2019.


What: The Amish have long contributed to advancing medical knowledge as participants in clinical studies. In recent years, some health care providers have developed creative new avenues for effectively addressing the distinctive needs and concerns within Amish and other Plain communities. Conference speakers will discuss bridging the gap between providers and patients, mental health treatment, wellness, genetics, culturally appropriate care, and patient agency.

When: Thursday, June 6 through Saturday, June 8. View the schedule of events.

Where: The Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies, Elizabethtown College (One Alpha Drive, Elizabethtown, Pa. 17022).

Who Should Attend: Health care providers, hospital administrators, social workers, and mental health professionals, medical researchers, and others who study or serve members of the Amish or other Plain communities. See detailed scheduleRegister here.