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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Myrtle Evans-Holland, DrPH (c), MSPH, School of Public Health and Policy, Morgan State University, 1700 E. Cold Spring Lane, Baltimore, MD 21251, 301-577-0989, mevansholland@msn.com and David Jones, EdD, Schrader Lane Church of Christ, 1234 Schrader Lane, Nashville, TN 37208.

According to the Nigerian national health policy, it is the responsibility of federal, state and local government as well as religious organizations and individuals to provide health services to its population by using the three tiers of government, civil societies, and non governmental organizations. This presentation will illustrate and focus on the collaborative and partnership strategies used by an African-American church to develop a medical center and infrastructure in Akwa Ibom State Nigeria that was completed in 2004. To increase awareness of primary care and the medical services offered, a health fair was held over a five day period in December 2005 for rural and urban communities. Both projects were organized by the Schrader Lane Church of Christ, Nashville, TN, and include an outreach initiative that takes health care to four surrounding villages, delivering health care to un-served and underserved residents. Services offered by the medical center are well received as evident by consistent use, particularly, the use of the outreach clinics. Likewise, the health fair was well received with 562 participants from the community and neighboring villages. The most prevalent conditions treated were malaria, hypertension, diabetes and asthma. High levels of participation by the community show that Akwa Ibomites are concerned of their health and will use health services provided for them. These findings underscore the need to implement health programs and continued support to minority and ethnic groups in international communities. The presentation will briefly discuss the plan of action to strengthen the system and provide continued support.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant in this session will be able to

• Describe ways in which U. S. church groups can partner to provide access to health care in international communities.
• Identify policy issues that provide opportunities for church based organizations and international communities to address health and medical needs.
• Discuss the implications for the development of practice guidelines for church groups working with international communities

Keywords: Faith Community, International Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No