B.R.A.N.C.H Out Partnership
Building A Rejoiceful Alliance of Neighbors for
Change and Health
Program Overview:
B.R.A.N.C.H. (Building a Rejoiceful Alliance of Neighbors for Change and Health) Out is a partnership designed to reduce health risk factors related to cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes in African-American church-based communities. The program uses a Train-the-Trainer model to address major health risks in Milwaukee's African-American faith community and will strengthen the capacity of participating churches.
History and Overview:
In 2002, Holy Cathedral Church of God in Christ and the Center for Healthy Communities in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin formed a partnership to change church and community members' inaccurate myths, perceptions and knowledge, and negative attitudes and behaviors related to cancer. Together Holy Cathedral and the Center 1) conducted two health fairs with over 175 attendees at each; 2) developed and distributed over 300 community resource directories; 3) gave five education presentations on cancer-related topics; and 4) developed four interactive cancer education modules.
In Spring 2004, Greater Bethlehem Temple World Ministries joined the partnership and administered the four cancer education modules.
Due in large part to the positive response from Holy Cathedral Church of God in Christ and Greater Bethlehem Temple World Ministries, the partnership expanded to include five additional churches. Pastor McClelland, from Holy Cathedral, recommended inviting the following churches to join the partnership: Mason Temple Church of God in Christ, Christ Temple Church of God in Christ, Ebenezer Church of God in Christ, New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, and Parklawn Assembly of God.
Pastors from the above churches and representatives from the Center met in Summer 2004 to discuss potential goals and activities for the partnership. The pastors identified diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer as prominent health concerns in their communities. Given the role of good nutrition in helping to prevent these health concerns, Yvonne Greeer, a registered dietitian from the City of Milwaukee Health Department, was also invited to join the partnership. The partners jointly developed and submitted a proposal to the Healthier Wisconsin Partnership Program to develop programs and activities the health concerns identified by the pastors. In December 2004, the partnership was awarded a 3-year $450,000 grant from the Healthier Wisconsin Partnership Program. B.R.A.N.C.H. Out reflects the partners' commitment to health in the community.
Partners:
- Center for Healthy Communities, Department of Family and Community Medicine,
Medical College of Wisconsin
- City of Milwaukee Health Department
- Holy Cathedral Church of God in Christ, Word of Hope Ministries, Inc.
- Greater Bethlehem Temple World Ministries
- New Hope Missionary Baptist Church
- Mason Temple Church of God in Christ
- Christ Temple Church of God in Christ
- Ebenezer Church of God in Christ
- Parklawn Assembly of God
Goals of the Program:
- Reduce health risk factors related to cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes in participating church communities.
Objectives of the Program:
- Develop and train Church Health Action Teams (CHATs) at participating churches
- Develop and implement cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes risk reduction education and prevention materials and resources
- Develop and implement cancer, cardiovascular, and diabetes risk reduction best practices at churches
- Sustain, evaluate, and expand the B.R.A.N.C.H. Out progra
Accomplishments to Date:
- A health expo and official kick off for the partnership was held in December 2005
- Partnership churches have representative Church Health Action Team members to oversee program
- A community wellness assessment was completed by church members
- Church Health Action Teams are implementing health risk assessments at their churches
Current Activities:
- Each church are developing a health resource center for congregation and community members
- Each church are implementing a specific health education program for their community
- Church Health Action Teams are implementing nutrition education and physical fitness programs
Funding Sources:
- Healthier Wisconsin Partnership Program
Additional Partnership Materials:
For more information:
Center for Healthy Communities
Department of Family and Community Medicine
Medical College of Wisconsin
8701 Watertown Plank Road
Post Office Box 26509
Milwaukee, WI 53226-0509
Phone: (414) 456-8291 Fax: (414) 456-6524
Email: chc@mcw.edu