Feasibility pilot to implement a research tested intervention statewide: Body & Soul: A celebration of healthy eating and living

In response to the increase in health disparities, the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) is collaborating with the Partnership Program of National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service (CIS) and Fox Chase Cancer Center to disseminate, implement and evaluate the replication of a research-tested intervention (RTI) entitled Body & Soul. The goal of this RTI is to increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables among African Americans to help reduce cancer and chronic disease. The pilot set out to determine the feasibility of implementing the program statewide.

The DOH provided funding to two community partners. Both partners attended a training program by CIS on the implementation steps of the program. Faith-based entities (FBE) were identified by the community partner to be trained on the program; each FBE received funding to support program implementation. The CDC Evaluation Framework was used for the pilot. Data collection focused on assessing the level of resources and effort needed to implement the program. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected.

During the Phase I pilot, eleven faith-based institutions implemented the program with approximately 2,843 exposures to individuals with an array of positive outcomes captured via key informant interviews and monthly evaluations. Phase II is currently underway with an additional 11 FBE participating.

This session will describe this unique collaboration, methodology, and results from the pilot, including the degree of program adoption, barriers that impeded full adoption and characteristics that supported adoption. Recommendations have been instrumental in the expansion of this pilot.