Utilizing the Faith-Based Community As a Vehicle for Eliminating Health Disparities

Background: Studies show that the faith-based community is an excellent resource for disseminating health related information and for offering education.  Communities include individuals of various socio-economic statuses and many times individuals worship with people of similar races and ethnicities.  This is an opportunity to reach out to individuals of certain demographics as it relates to health disparities, in particular the areas of: cardiovascular disease, cancer screening and awareness, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, infant mortality and immunizations. 

Program background: The Health Ministry at Rush Metropolitan AME Zion Church in Raleigh, NC is an example of how the faith-based community can successfully eliminate health disparities through program offerings, health education and health promotion.  With over 1000 members, and an active Homeless Ministry, this particular group has reached out to individuals throughout the county.  The congregation is primarily African American. 

Evaluation Methods and Results: The Health Ministry has utilized church services and meetings as an opportunity to reach attendees as it relates to health topics. The church has utilized social media and the website to promote the work of the Health Ministry, as well as acknowledge health observances.  In addition, the ministry has provided health fairs and promoted them through newsletters, bulletins and e-blasts.  Some members do not have access to the internet, and mailings have worked well.  In addition, the group provides a healthy tip and resources to individuals participating in the “Empowering Word” ministry.  This ministry provides outreach to disadvantaged populations.  Lastly, the group is developing cold/flu packs with basic items (Kleenex, cough drops, etc.), along with a health tip. These packets decrease the spread of cold/flu, by encouraging individuals to stay at home and recover, instead of going to the store, etc. to spread the germs. 

Conclusions: Since the implementation of the program, there has been an increase in church attendees adapting to healthier lifestyles.  There has been an increase in attendees at health ministry events.  Individuals are reporting their primary care visits.  The Pastor has implemented a “Call to Action from the Pulpit to the Congregation”.  He discusses a health topic one Sunday a month, and asks members to share their experiences and whether they need additional resources.  Based on this, individuals are more aware and accountable for their health.  At events, the menu offerings are healthier options and members are participating in weight loss challenges.  These resources are reaching the community, disadvantage populations, children, teens, young adults, middle-aged and the elderly.  The overall health of members of the faith-based community is improving through the implementation of programs such as this, and best practices can be shared with organizations throughout the community to increase spread and promote sustainability. 

Implications for research and/or practice: This program is a work in progress and additional research is needed.  More formal ways of collecting data is vital to the success. Currently, the congregation is providing the resources and the health ministry members are all volunteers.  Lastly, this program will need a more formalized structure, perhaps a tool-kit to be promoted within the communities.