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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Linda McClellan, MPH1, Michelle Marrs, EdM2, Stephanie B. Crowder, Rev PhD3, James Pichert, PhD4, Stephania Miller, PhD5, Alisa Haushalter, MSN6, Anne Brown, MS, RN5, Valeria Wakefield, B|A7, Rev. Hilda R. Davis, PhD8, and Donna Kenerson6. (1) REACH 2010 Project Director, Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Care Center, 1501 Herman Street, Nashville, TN 37208, (615) 340-1260, linda.mcclellan@mwchc.org, (2) Administration, Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center, 1501 Herman Street, Nashville, TN 37218, (3) Technical Assistance Network, Metropolitan Interdenominational Church, 2128 SEleventh Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37208, (4) Diabetes Education and Training Center, Vanderbilt University, 1211 21st Avenue South, 315 Medical Arts Building, Nashville, TN 37212, (5) Diabetes Research and Training Center, Vanderbilt University, 315 Medical Arts, 1211 21st Ave. South, Nashville, TN 37212, (6) Health Promotion, Metro Health Department, 311 23rd Ave., North, Nashville, TN 37203, (7) Project REACH 2010, Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Care Center, 1501 Herman Street, Nashville, TN 37208, (8) Vanderbilt University, 2000 24th Ave. South, Nashville, TN 37212
An important part of communities, the African American Church has a significant influence on the lives of its congregations. As future ministers, students could become effective change agents when equipped academically and spiritually for service, self-care and self-preservation. North Nashville’s African American population suffers disproportionately from diabetes and cardiovascular disease when compared to whites in Davidson County. Funding received from the Centers for Disease Control would initiate activities leading to a reduction and, in time, elimination of the disparities. In an effort to explore strategies that could lead to sustainable change, REACH 2010, in partnership with the American Baptist College, developed a comprehensive course to prepare theology students to serve as role models and change agents. A Curriculum Development Committee explored various course components that could contribute to the development of skills and competencies while allowing theology students to examine their current lifestyles, personal health practices and family health histories. The students would be challenged to critically examine barriers to good health and strategies for overcoming them including faith and spirituality. As ministers and catalysts for change, they will be able to assist individuals, families and entire communities to embrace health protective behaviors and practices resulting in a reduction in health disparities.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: African American, Faith Community
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.