Role of health policies in faith-based institutions in promoting health behavior change: The Philadelphia Ujima experience

background: Drexel University College of Medicine’s Philadelphia Ujima Health Collaborative (funded by  the Office on Women’s Health) is a coalition of community, academic, faith and wellness organizations that have partnered to address health disparities. The coalition utilizes a community based participatory research (CBPR) framework and gender lens to address heart health, nutrition, fitness, sexual health and healthy relationships in underserved communities. As a result of participating in an individual level health promotion intervention, two faith-based partners developed health and wellness policies to better inform their health promoting practices. The policies were developed, approved and implemented at both institutions. methodology:  75 Congregants were recruited by site liaisons at church programs and meetings to complete surveys assessing their knowledge and awareness of the policy as well as observed changes in institutional and personal practices annually. Additionally key informant interviews were conducted with ministry leaders.  results: The program has been successful in promoting and institutionalizing healthier eating practices. In particular as a result of the developed policies sites have increased the number of events where fruits, vegetables and water are served. There were increases in health information disseminated to members. Sites identified institutional and social barriers and discussed policy amendments to help disseminate and expand the health promotion messages to others throughout their organizations and community.  conclusions:  Effective community/academic partnerships using community participatory approaches with a health in all policies focus can aid in improving health behaviors in diverse and underserved communities and engaging communities to play an active role in health promotion.