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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Beverley White-Macklin, MPH, Black Infant Health Program, Santa Clara County Public Health Department, 976 Lenzen Avenue, Suite #1700, San Jose, CA 95126, 408-792-5054, Beverley.White@hhs.sccgov.org

In California, 6% of adults have been told they have diabetes. Diabetes is more prevalent among African Americans (14.5%) than any other ethnic group. Diabetes and other health problems have been directly linked to weight. In Santa Clara County (California), 73.6% of African Americans are overweight or obese, and hospitalization rates for diabetes were highest for this cohort at 207.4 per 100,000 people. The Creative Health Ministries Project was created to collaborate with the African American Faith community to develop strategies that combat diseases linked to weight. Through the facilitation of the local Public Health Department, five predominately African American churches provided education and resources to encourage over 2000 parishioners to increase their exercise levels and consumption of fruit /vegetables, decrease body mass index, and improve overall health. A variety of structured exercise activities were implemented at each site, health messages were delivered through a variety of venues, and food policies were adopted to reinforce and demonstrate program goals. Using the results of surveys and focus groups, each church designed wellness programs specific to their congregations' needs. By the end of the 18-month program, participants showed 25% increase in exercise levels, nearly 60% of them increased their fruit/vegetable intake to 2 servings per day, and 40% were eating 3 to 5 servings per day. Also important, six undiagnosed diabetics were identified. Commitment from Pastors and lay leaders proved to be most beneficial to the program success. Repetitious messages from a trusted source are invaluable along with structured, consistent, fun-filled activities.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the essential components to affecting social norms within the African American faith community
• Articulate common values, goals and strategies shaed between public health organizations and faith communities

Keywords: African American, Community-Based Health Promotion

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered