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

Abstract #112173

Vanessa Nelson Hill, MS, RN, College of Nursing, Arizona State University, P.O. Box 873008, Tempe, AZ 85287-3008, 480-727-7817, vanessa.hill@asu.edu and Jacquelyn Toliver, MS, RN, Black Nurses Association Greater Phoenix Area, 5060 N. 19th Ave Suite 210, Phoenix, AZ 85019.

Heart and Soul (Heart of the People/Soul of the Matter) is a faith-based collaborative between the African American Faith Partnership (AAFP) and the Black Nurses Association Greater Phoenix Area (BNAGPA), with funding from St. Luke's Health Initiatives.

This project brings together a faith-based group with the professional skills of a nursing organization for the purpose of increasing awareness, compliance, and knowledge of the targeted community (members of participating African-American churches) of the dangers and realities of cardiovascular and lung diseases, as well as how to prevent or live with and control these diseases. Assessments were conducted at each of the churches to determine congregation interests and needs. In addition the knowledge of the church liaisons (primarily lay persons) was assessed to determine the level of technical assistance and training necessary to provide assistance to their respective congregations.

The BNAGPA, a 25- year -old non-profit organization created to address the health needs of the African American Community and other minorities through education and participation in activities related to health issues in the Phoenix area. BNAGPA provides ongoing information to the community related to current health issues. The AAFP represents over 20 primarily African American Churches of various denominations if the area.

The BNAGPA provides the curriculum development and professional activities, while the Faith Partnership identifies the participating churches. Training sessions for the liaisons are conducted at least once a month. An evaluation of the impact of the program was conducted after the second year.

Learning Objectives: Participants will be able to

• Identify the components of a successfull faith-based community collaborative
• Discuss the community impact of a faith-based collaborative.

Keywords: Heart Disease, 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.

Recorded presentation