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

Abstract #104111

Barbara A. Carlson, MLIS¹, Carl Grant, Pastor², Michael Frost, Rev³, Jacquetta Grant², Florene Linnen, CHA¹, Gayenell Magwood, RN, MSN, PhD(Cand)¹, Carolyn M. Jenkins, MSN, DrPH¹, Kim Odom⁴, and Jacqueline Grant². (1) REACH 2010, College of Nursing, Medical University of South Carolina, PO Box 250160, 99 Jonathan Lucas Street, Charleston, SC 29425, 843-792-5874, carlsonb@musc.edu, (2) Greater St. Peters Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ Apostolic Faith, Inc., 2062 Savage Road, Charleston, SC 29414, (3) Nazareth AME Church, PO Box 750, Georgetown, SC 29440, (4) Odoms Computing Solutions, 3360 Ashley Phosphate Rd., North Charleston, SC 29418

The REACH 2010 Faith-in-Health Library Initiative strengthens an urban/rural partnership among inter-denominational African American churches, multi-type libraries, and community groups to develop, implement, and evaluate a community based health information technology train-the-trainer program. By increasing technical skills and the use of recommended diabetes Internet and library resources, people with diabetes may increase their diabetes knowledge, self-management, and quality of care. The REACH 2010 Charleston and Georgetown Diabetes Coalition guides this project, and works to improve diabetes outcomes and eliminate health disparities.

Health information needs assessment surveys (306), focus groups (3), the work of an experienced partnership, and a faith leader's health mission provide the basis for this approach. Each of 2 lead churches hosts an Internet computer and printer, and invites the involvement of 3-4 neighborhood churches. Internet instructors from churches and public libraries teach participants through a 3-phase curriculum, tailored to skill levels and needs. A pastor-initiated web site, aimed at church leaders, provides diabetic patient safety tips and recommends supplies to stock at church to assist persons with diabetes. Journals, logs, scrapbooks, and pretest-post tests evaluate the training program, as well as, use and satisfaction with Web sites, such as MedlinePlus, American Diabetes Association, and CDC. The program trains 150 individuals and spreads information resources to 1,000 individuals over 18 months. Lessons learned will be shared.

Digital divide gaps related to health information literacy and disparities, in a population disproportionately impacted by diabetes, are expected to reduce. A film of a REACH faith-based activity will be shown.

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss the role of faith leaders as partners in working to improve community health information technology skills through church activities.
• Articulate the positive role of libraries as partners in community and public health.
• Describe a community-driven, evidence-based approach to improve access to quality health information.

Keywords: Health Information, Community-Based Partnership

Related Web page: www.musc.edu/reach

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 commertial supporters WITH THE EXCEPTION OF I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session. I am a REACH employee. I understand that I must disclose this information to the particip.