The Genesee County REACH Coalition has chosen to focus its attention on Infant Mortality. In Genesee County infant mortality for African American babies is twice that of White babies. With the Genesee County Health Department as the lead agency, the Coalition is comprised of many partners including Faith Access to Community Economic Development, Flint Odyssey House Health Awareness Center, Genesee County Community Action Agency, Greater Flint Health Coalition, Neighborhood Roundtable, University of Michigan School of Public Health and University of Michigan-Flint. This coalition, bringing together academia, business and industry and the community in a unique partnership highlights its diversity as its strength. The work with the faith community is an essential element in bringing forth the voice of community which will lead to an action plan aimed at reducing this devastating statistic. This presentation will stress the importance of engaging the faith community to address health disparities.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, participants should be able to: 1) Identify ways to develop relationships with community partners, including the faith community. 2) Discuss strengths and barriers to engaging faith communities in addressing health issues. 3) Evaluate efforts in engaging faith community in reducing health disparities
Keywords: Faith Community, Infant Mortality
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.