Church Based Health and Wellness Program

Reducing health risk factors related to cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes in African American church-based communities

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Full Project Name:Church Based Health and Wellness ProgramPrimary Community Organization:Holy Cathedral Church of God in Christ Word of Hope MinistriesPrimary Academic Partner:Syed M Ahmed, MD, MPH, DrPH, FAAFP, Family MedicineAward Amount:$450,000

Award Date

April2005

Project Duration:36 months

Project Description Narrative:

Churches and places of worship are traditionally cornerstones in Africa-American communities, and in many low-income neighborhoods, churches provide short-term emergency assistance—such as food, clothing, and shelter—to families and individuals. Additionally, faith communities with programs that encourage healthy behaviors have been successfully introduced at African American churches across the country.

In this project, Milwaukee-area churches representing four different denominations will train church representatives to provide health education and disease prevention information to their congregations. This will build and enhance the capacity of church members to make healthy life choices and be self-advocates for their health.

Community partners: Bethlehem Temple Church, New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, Mason Temple Church of God in Christ, Ebenezer Church of God in Christ, Parklawn Assembly of God, City of Milwaukee Health Department