The church is considered an important organization within the African-American community. A coalition of six African-American churches empowered church members to provide senior citizens cardiovascular prevention services using a committee process. Activities following the same model were expanded to include alcohol, tobacco, and other drug prevention activities; breast and cervical cancer screening; and care-giving services. The presentation purpose is to share successful programmatic strategies
The original project called for establishment of a church health committee. Committee membership included ten individuals; representing different church auxiliaries developed a church prevention program. The assessment addressed church/community members needs, available church and community resources, community development strategies, most desirable interventions for particular problems or target populations, and evaluation strategies. Further, the committees prioritized needs, strategies/services, per their individually developed management action/fiscal plans. The committee members collected baseline and yearly data using pre-approved valid instruments. This data was used to determine positive behavior change, plan for future interventions, and served as a base for obtaining further funding.
The five-year high-risk youth project reflected the individual churches religious, economic, educational, and civic values. Church committees planned activities: cooperative activities between churches; youth recognition; tutoring and mentoring intergenerational; alternative activities; Drug Sundays; summer/after school activities; parent/family programs; public education; and evaluation. Primary conceptual outcomes for the 357 youth participants included: drug use is delayed if youth start program participation prior to age 11. and females and males need different activities. Adult data (N=213) showed no changes in drug behaviors, but positive changes in friends value systems.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the audience will be familiar with one successful prevention strategy
Keywords: Change Concepts, Faith Community
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.