Spirit of Healthy Living (SoHL)

Spirit of Healthy Living (SoHL) is the newest addition to CBCF’s health programs portfolio. In 2010, SoHL was created to improve awareness of type 2 diabetes among African Americans. An increased understanding of this often debilitating and life-threatening condition is vital to its prevention and management. Further, its ranking as the fifth leading cause of death for black adults (ages 20 and older), connection to other chronic diseases and growing diagnosis among adolescents prompted the Foundation to design an initiative that:

 

• Defines type 2 diabetes
• Explains the connection between type 2 diabetes, obesity and associated conditions
• Promotes the benefits of nutritious eating and active living
• Highlights local health care and wellness resources

In faith-based settings, SoHL will aim to improve constituents’ knowledge of diabetes prevention, management and treatment strategies. Throughout the years, CBCF’s health programs have been embraced by members of the faith community. Health promotion research suggests that supportive church environments can positively affect participant behaviors. SoHL seeks to act upon this opportunity by collaborating with active health ministry teams based in Congressional Black Caucus member districts.

 

Thanks to financial support from Johnson & Johnson, Spirit of Healthy Living was presented in Newark and Atlanta last year and will be hosted in Greenville, North Carolina and Jackson, Mississippi in 2011. Our partnership with Johnson & Johnson and the American Diabetes Association enables the Foundation to offer the following programming and tools to church-partner congregants and the surrounding community:

• A Spirit of Healthy Living Wellness and Diabetes Day
• Digital Coaching™ online health counseling
• Project POWER diabetes education curriculum

The SoHL overview provides more information about the program. We look forward to interacting with constituents and organizations across the country to help improve the health knowledge and behaviors of Spirit of Healthy Living participants. In the coming weeks, we will post details about 2011 locations and partners. CBCF invites you to visit this page and to register for a SoHL program in your area soon.