The Faith Community in the East End of Pittsburgh, PA has had an important health presence. In 1998 the Centers for Healthy Hearts & Souls (CHHS), a partnership between the medical and faith communities, was created to begin work on empowerment. Thus far, there are six member churches that have developed and strengthened their health ministries. In October 2000 CHHS received funding from the State of PA to develop a program to address diabetes in disparate populations. The program is two pronged, addressing the need for intensified diabetic care at the community and at the medical practice level. An automated diabetic education and care module has been developed and is being utilized by physicians and nurses in the family health centers. Health Coordinators from each of five member churches selected from their congregation two diabetics to participate in a focus group. Acknowledging that these were the real experts on diabetes, information gained via the focus group experience has been utilized in curriculum development for diabetes support groups. The support group is designed to meet diabetics and caregivers where they are in daily living, taking into account spiritual, mental, socio-economic, and physical needs. In addition, diabetes educational and screening programs are conducted in the churches for people at risk.
Learning Objectives: Define successful empowerment strategies implemented within the African American Diabetic Community. Define obstacles to care for medical practices. Provide replicable program development information.
Keywords: Diabetes, Faith Community
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Centers for Healthy Hearts and Souls
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.