Faith and Health: How the Balm In Gilead, the Florida Health Department and the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church Promoted HIV Testing

Background:  In 2005 the Balm In Gilead (BIG) formed the African-American Denominational Leadership Health Initiative with three significant Methodist denominations to address the challenges of HIV/AIDS, cervical cancer and other health conditions disproportionately affecting African Americans. As a result of the technical assistance provided by BIG, the AME church, working with the  Florida Health Department (FHD), decided that one church in every county should conduct HIV testing – a total of 27 churches. This was to be accomplished within the framework of the BIG Faith Community Mobilization model.

Objectives: BIG aimed to build the capacity of the AME church and the FHD to implement effective HIV testing within the faith community and to increase awareness and knowledge about the importance of HIV testing.

Methods: Through a series of skills building workshops, churches were trained in the fundamentals of HIV and acquired the skills necessary to initiate and support on-going HIV-related programs. FHD was provided with technical assistance to enable effective communication with their faith partners.

Results:  The HIV-related knowledge and skills of the churches increased and over 300 HIV testing events were held over a two year period with approximately 2,000 persons tested.

Conclusions:  The core mission of both faith and health organizations is to promote health and wellness. Given this similarity, this project demonstrates that effective partnerships are possible when facilitated by a model that allows for the progressive development of the collaborating organizations.

Implications for Programs, Policy, and Research: Non-traditional partnerships should be encouraged as these can facilitate the spread of good public health practices. Reaching the African American community with important health messages can be enhanced by actively engaging organizations with deep roots and ties to this community. Effective working relationships are achieved where there is parity and where all partners benefit from the collaborative efforts.