The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #68571

Kimberly McCoy, MA, CHES, Center for Bioethics, Tuskegee University, P. O. Box 241961, Montgomery, AL 36124, (334) 201-8574, Kamro11@aol.com

Description: This project is a model for employing HIV/AIDS Health Promotion as a tool to strengthen trust and open dialogue through education to empower communities in addressing health issues. Overview of Project: All 900 Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. chapters throughout the United States and abroad are partnering to address the plight of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in African-American communities throughout the world. The international collaborative effort is a part of the Sorority’s current initiative, Summit V: Health and Healing “Let it Continue, Promoting Health and Wellness on HIV/AIDS.” The Montgomery Alumnae Chapter Minorities Prevention of AIDS Collaboration (MAC-MPAC) Project is apart of this effort. The project is conducted by a diverse coalition of organizations. Bringing together public and community-based organizations in order to mobilize communities and optimize resources; to eliminate the disparity in HIV/AIDS morbidity and mortality in the African-American population. Designed as a comprehensive approach, the project provides health promotion activities that contribute to encouraging the adoption of alternative individual lifestyles that can have a powerful influence over one’s health prospects. This presentation will describe the development, implementation, and evaluation of the MAC-MPAC project. The project has been successful in bringing together the community, public health professionals, government agencies, universities, schools, churches, public and private organizations. This presentation will offer guidelines in the successful implementation of a community-based collaboration of a public service organization (Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.) and other community organizations.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to:
• 1. Develop community partnerships to further inform the public and serve as a linkage/referral organization to the community addressing HIV/AIDS.
• 2. Discuss leadership roles for supporting policy development that focuses on HIV/AIDS as a health issue among communities of color.

Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Community Collaboration

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.