Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #103657

Marissa Jelks, MPH and Sarah M. Worley, MA. Community Health Promotion and Advocacy, Chatham County Public Health Department, PO Box 130, Pittsboro, NC 27312, 919-542-8297, marissa.c.jelks@ncmail.net

African Americans suffer at higher rates than their white counterparts from lifestyle diseases such as; hypertension, obesity, diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. Since the black church is still a cornerstone in many African American communities, it has become the focal point of a physical activity and nutrition initiative in Chatham County. The gospel-focused program includes eight African American churches in various locations throughout the county. The LIGHT WayNC program allows each church to prioritize its needs and develop programs accordingly. The idea behind the program is the body is a gift received from God and should be honored as so, (I Corinthians, 6:19-20). The LIGHT WayNC program helps congregants assume responsibility for their health through their own power and working with others. Grounded in a spiritual and theological foundation; the program includes biblical references related to health promotion and disease prevention. Members of participating churches encourage healthy lifestyle practices such as increasing exercise and eating healthier. This is achieved through planned group activities, special presentations, and individual church programs. This presentation will describe (1) the relationship between spirituality and health, (2) the origins and continuation of the LIGHT WayNC program in Chatham County, NC, and (3) the current knowledge about faith-based outreach and successful intervention strategies. People who attend this session will learn how faith-based program strategies are applied to specific populations.

Learning Objectives:

• 1. Articulate the relationship between faith and health.
• 2. Understand the planning, development, and implementation of the LIGHT WayNC program, and how it continues today.
• 3. Apply strategies learned from this faith-based program to current research in the field.

Keywords: African American, Faith Community

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.