Preparing Ourselves for Spiritual and Physical Renewal

Eastern North Carolina is often referred to as both the Stroke Belt and the Bible Belt. This population, in particular the African American and Hispanic population are disproportionately affected by heart disease, stroke, diabetes and related conditions. This project recognizes the pivotal role of the church in communities as ‘the center of life' where individuals not only practice their faith, but also socialize and obtain trusted information. A number of efforts in North Carolina have used church/community-based lay advisors. A uniform curriculum will be employed which includes “food literacy” and physical activity taught in a bible study format recognizing “faith” as a cultural competency. The church/community based lay health advisor (CCBLHA) curriculum is comprised of 88 hours of training with measurable competencies and skills testing taught by qualified individuals with appropriate licensures and credentials to ensure best practice information. This training material developed by Department of Public Health faculty will be reviewed and approved by medical providers(goal to be endorsed by each county medical society), and church pastors. This curriculum has the capability for credentialing training for CCBLHA's.