African Americans experience increased morbidity and mortality from cancer, but have low representation in cancer prevention programs. The NCI funded PRAISE! Project (Partnership to Reach African Americans to Increase Smart Eating) represents a model to build partnerships between a University and 60 African American churches in 8 counties in North Carolina to implement dietary change interventions to reduce cancer risk. University researchers provide the theoretical framework and training for the interventions. Church teams then interpret and translate how the interventions are implemented in their churches using their unique perspective of the needs, interests, and priorities of church members. As the "intervention baton" is passed, Health Action Team (HAT)Leaders operationalize how they will accomplish this task.HATLs are most successful in leading this process when they clearly understand what is needed to implement the interventions,are skillful in rallying church support, and have a personal commitment to doing a good job. We will describe specific changes that have been made in how food functions are planned and carried out indicating a strong church-based capacity to implement nutrition activities that aid in cancer prevention. An extensive data collection component, carried out by church leaders is still under way,and will yield comprehensive process data about all aspects of intervention implementation at the church.
Learning Objectives: Identify specific components of a cancer prevention training program for faith-based leaders
Keywords: Faith Community, Cancer
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.