Strengthening health initiatives for today's African American households through community based participatory research

Heart disease and stroke are two of the leading causes of death among African Americans in Arkansas. Health disparities continue in the United States in which African Americans receive less extensive and intensive health care services than their European American counterparts. Research suggests that health promotion programs increase awareness and engagement in healthy lifestyle choices, however factors such as access and culturally sensitive materials sometimes negatively impact participation. Faith based health and wellness programs have been well documented for addressing heart disease, breast cancer, obesity, diabetes, and the importance of diet and exercise, often including one time events rather than an ongoing initiative or program. This presentation is designed to share a campus-community collaborative called Strengthening Health Initiatives for Today's African American Households (SHIFT-AAH). The primary focus of SHIFT-AAH is to address obesity and obesity related conditions through health and wellness programming that incorporates spiritual and religious beliefs as a rationale for living a healthy lifestyle. Information is provided from the campus partner's perspective including: 1) avenues for developing partnerships; 2)access and incorporation of health services within the community for year-round programming; 3) development of culturally relevant programs; and 4) incorporation of research relevant to the community partners. Qualitative and quantitative data will present the benefits and obstacles to the program, including lessons learned and suggestions to others who may be interested in adopting the program.