The Sinai Women Helping Women Program addresses factors related to the health of African-American women in a community area of Chicago, Illinois. Volunteers from designated pilot churches are recruited and trained to serve as health resources within their respective congregations in order to address the prevalence of chronic diseases among women of color. Program goals include: 1) promoting healthy lifestyles among high-risk African-American women; 2) increasing awareness of critical health issues affecting women of color; and 3) promoting behavioral changes to impact upon the areas of nutrition, fitness and the prevention / early detection of women's cancers. Target areas include cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke and ovarian and breast cancer. The Women Helping Women program is an example of the value of community partnerships that utilize neighborhood assets to address public health issues. Program activities and outcomes include the development of a culturally-appropriate nutritional guide, implementation of walking clubs, and ongoing church-based health screenings. Volunteer activities also include CPR training as well as grassroots organizing in addressing environmental factors that impact upon the health of women of color. Presenters will discuss the development of this faith-based initiative and provide examples of qualitative as well as quantitative methods used in assessing the program's impact within church settings.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, participants will understand the components integral to a church-based health promotion initiative, be aware of the advantages of implementing faith-based programs using volunteers and gain knowledge concerning best practices in designing wellness programs for women of color within churches
Keywords: Faith Community, Community-Based Health Promotion
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.