Faith Community Nurses Implement Breast Cancer Prevention with At Risk Populations

St. John's Hospital, St. John's College, Department of Continuing Education, and St. John's Center for Living in Springfield, Illinois received a Susan G. Komen Grant to foster early breast cancer detection in at risk populations throughout nine counties in midwest Illinois to decrease breast cancer disparities.  Faith Community Nurses (FCNs) educated in St. John's College, Department of Contiuing Education, were funded to complete a faith community nurse program and provide breast cancer awareness education for those at risk in rural and African American populations in nine counties.  Flexible methods for breast cancer awareness education through FCNs, effective strategies for maximizing participation in the at risk populations, and implications for practice were identified.  The number of participants in the breast cancer awareness education exceeded the grant goal.  The high number of African American and unexpected Hispanic/Latino participants exceeded target numbers due to networking methods used.  Networking within faith communites, connecting with complimentary activities scheduled in those communities, offering refreshments, and gift items that support educational efforts were effective in maximizing outcomes and reinforcing learning for reaching at risk populations.  Flexible educational programming that could be adapted to situational and learning needs was important to alleviate barriers in the project.  The revelance of this project demonstrates the key role FCNs can play in promoting health for at risk populations through their faith communities.