Elizabeth City State University Faith Leaders for Healthy Living Legacy Project

An African American disparities intervention strategyAnthony Emekalam, PharmD, RPh (PI)Clinical Assistant Professor of PharmacyElizabeth City State University, Elizabeth City,North Carolina

Elizabeth City State University Faith Leaders for Healthy Living Legacy Project

PurposeDescribe a simple model describing effective intervention for lifestyle-dependent risk factors for diabetes and cardiovascular diseases among African American communities as a disparities reduction strategyProgram Parameters Describe culturally appropriate interventions with relative ease of engagement in convenient settings with ample provision of social support and reinforcements Engage participants whose progress could be followed with relative ease through program durationDescribe interventions that can be continued effortlessly pass the initial cycle of the program Methods Implement program in predominantly AA Churches in Elizabeth City by:Training church leaders Facilitate local focus group sessions.Describe simple implementable action plans (AP) complete with event time lineTake baseline measurementsImplement APEvaluate implementation and impactMeetings and Trainings

Implementation

Lessons learnedPOSITIVES Program is well received by community partnersHighlights potential of model in improving health outcomes of AA communities.Relatively easy and highly successful rate of implementation of action plansCommunity ownershipDesigned by communityBelief in program goalsResponsible for outcomes

Lessons learnedNEGATIVESOver 70% of action plan elements consist of repetitive passive educational type contentsMonotonous Loss of sensitivity and relevanceRe-engage, Re-challenge and Re-stimulate local leadershipSustain interest and focusConsider leadership retreatsScheduled follow-up meetings and trainings

In progress Close out measurements to measure:Overall implementation successPrograms outcomes/impact on local community Comprehensive reports from community partnersEvaluate and document final outcomesMoving forwardSustain impact Retain coalition of community partners

Special Thanks/AcknowledgementsThe entire REACH US SEA CEED MUSC Legacy teamDr. Carolyn JenkinsSyndia MoultrieLatanya FisherSonya Smalls ECSU Legacy teamWendy Dunbar, Latasha Weeks, ECSU Dept. of Pharmacy & Health Profession and an Awesome team of community partners and studentsDISCLAIMER: Author not responsible for wrongly spelt names