The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #47916

Darlene M. Jenkins, DrPH, RD¹, Mary Lou Proch, RN EdD¹, Moya Alfonso, MSPH², and Susan Calkins, BA³. (1) Community Health Education, Sarasota Memorial Hospital, 1700 Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34239, (941)917-1754, darlene-jenkins@smh.com, (2) College of Education, University of South Florida, 4507 S. Hesperides St., Tampa, FL 33611, (3) Sarasota County Health Department, 2900 Ringling Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34236

Sarasota Memorial Hospital initiated the Newtown Wellness Program(NWP) in November 2000. Health education and health promotion activities sensitive to the African American culture were developed in order to execute a successful program that will affect death rates and health disparities in the areas of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. A 24 member Task Force of community leaders from churches, schools, social service agencies and business community governs NWP. Responsibilities of the Task Force include strategic planning, formative research conduction, program activity implementation, evaluation and feedback regarding the acceptance of the program and activities in the community. Health screenings and health risk appraisals are provided for motivation and early detection of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity. Nutrition, weight management, stress management, health heart classes, diabetes education and exercise classes that promote healthy lifestyle changes are held at local churches, schools and recreation centers. Culturaly competent health professionals, many, who are members of the community, facilitate classes. Health promotion activities to date include a fitness trail constructed at a local elementary school and the opening of a free fitness club at the local Boys & Girls Club for youths and adults. An Athletic Trainer assists the adults with professional guidance and personalized workout schedules. The success of this project is due to the fact that a partnership has been established between Sarasota Memorial Hospital and the community, each bringing to the project their particular expertise. The NWP has taken root in the community and the efforts are bearing fruit.

Learning Objectives:

• Indentify the key elements of a community based health promotion program.
• Describe the methods utilized to develop culturally competent programs.
• List the outcome measures utilized to identify changes in behavior for the target population.

Keywords: African American, Health Promotion

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.