Disparate rates of morbidity and mortality for African Americans and other ethnic groups have prompted researchers to reach this population through Black churches. The NCI funded PRAISE! Project developed partnerships with 60 churches to spread a message of smart eating: more fruits and vegetables, less fat, and more fiber daily. We conducted a baseline pastor's survey. Of the 60 pastors surveyed, 47% were between 35-50 years of age; 26% were bi-vocational and 56% held master's degrees or higher. Seventy percent of the pastors listed cancer, heart disease and diabetes as health concerns in their congregations. Seventy per cent wanted to make personal dietary changes and 44% were trying to lose weight. We designed a Pastors Health Promotion Workshop with continuing education credits for attendees. Each of the 3 workshops began with a "smart eating" dinner featuring recipes from the PRAISE! Project Cookbook, prepared by local restaurant owners or by pastors themselves. The presenters were a local Black oncologist, a nutritionist, and a pastor. Topics discussed included higher cancer rates among African Americans, the Food Pyramid, food choices, serving sizes, nutrition research findings, nutrition and the Bible, and preaching about healthy eating. Pastors received information to develop sermons encouraging their congregations to eat smarter. Despite busy schedules, 83% of the pastors attended at least one workshop. In the evaluations of the workshop program, pastors stated they liked the scripture emphasis, information about cancer, and strategies to increase smart eating. They requested that dissemination of information about diet and cancer continue.
Learning Objectives: As a result of attending this presentation, attendees will learn how to: present information about healthy eating to a Pastor, involve local experts in a nutrition program, and involve the Pastor in a cancer prevention program
Keywords: Religion, Cancer Prevention
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.