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Abstract #158565

Letha J. Mosley, PhD, OTR, Occupational Therapy, University of Central Arkansas, 201 Donaghey, Doyne Health Sciences Room 328, Conway, AR 72035, 501-450-5567, Letham@uca.edu

Faith based health and wellness programs have been a mechanism for increasing awareness of various populations about such topics as heart disease, breast cancer, obesity, diabetes, and the importance of diet and exercise. The development, implementation, and sustainability of those programs vary depending on: 1) the stakeholders involved, 2) specific approaches used to justify the program; 3) methods for motivating congregation members to participate, and 4) avenues to facilitate continuation of the programs on a long-term basis. This presentation describes a faith based health initiative for increasing walking and exercise called “Stepping Out on Faith”. This campus-community collaborative incorporated aspects of spirituality and religion with scientific and health information to develop a walking program meaningful to members of an African American church. A description is given about the expansion of the program to other church organizations in diverse communities who adopted the basic concept. Qualitative and quantitative data will present the benefits and obstacles to the program, including lessons learned and suggestions to others who may be interested in adopting the program.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, each learner will be able to

• articulate basic concepts of mobilizing campus and community groups to develop contextually relevant health and wellness programming within faith-based organizations.
• recognize the benefits and deterrents to developing, implementing, and sustaining a faith-based walking program.
• determine the feasibility of using the Stepping Out on Faith program in faith-based organizations in various communities of interest.

Keywords: Faith Community, Community Health Programs

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No
Any institutionally-contracted trials related to this submission?

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.