Recorded presentation

Charmaine Ruddock, BA, MS, Bronx Health REACH, Institute for Urban Family Health, 16 E. 16th St., New York, NY 10003, (212) 633-0800 ext.291, cruddock@institute2000.org

As part of a national effort to help reduce racial and ethnic disparities in health, the Centers for Disease Control has funded an effort in the South Bronx, led by the Institute for Urban Family Health, to reduce morbidity and mortality resulting from diabetes and related heart disease. The Bronx Health REACH Coalition includes 16 social service agencies, health care providers, housing development corporations, an after-school program, and 14 faith based institutions. The 14 churches represent 4,000 active church members. Each church appointed a congregation member to serve as a volunteer coordinator for its REACH activities, and uses its existing auxiliaries and ministries as vehicles for outreach and education on diabetes prevention and management. The Coalition’s faith based outreach program has changed the nutrition and physical activity environment at the church by implementing a series of initiatives. These include: 1. Changing church policies regarding the food served at church events or provided to others by educating the culinary committees. As a result of this effort, many churches are now serving healthy alternatives at events; 2. Increasing the amount of fruits and vegetables in packages distributed by the food pantries, and including information on nutrition with the food packages; 3. Creating seven church-based support groups for weight management and fitness. In the two years since their inception, the groups have reported a collective weight loss of 2000 lbs.; and, 4. Engaging a fitness expert to develop a “train-the-trainer” fitness initiative to run programs in each church this coming spring.

Learning Objectives:

• Promote changes in the knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors in the faith community.
• Build capacity in faith based organizations.

Related Web page: www.institute2000.org/cdc/reach.htm

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Grantee of REACH 2010, Center for Disease Control Prevention and Health Promotion (CDC)

Recorded presentation