The EPICC Project is designed to help congregations offer evidence-based health programs (referred to as EBPs) to their members. EPICC staff identified these programs as addressing the following concerns:
- The programs address health conditions that occur in African Americans at higher rates than for other groups.
- These programs have been tested and found to help reduce risks for chronic health conditions.
- The program materials are free.
- The program material includes guidance for setting up the program in an organization that might not have offered this kind of program before.
The EPICC staff will offer coaching to each congregation that becomes an EPICC Partner. We will aim to help the congregation’s team deliver the program as it was designed in order to maximize its benefits.
The Body and Soul program is a combination of the best pieces from the Black Churches United for Better Health and Eat for Life programs. The program components include church-wide nutrition activities such as a kick-off event, forming a project committee, conducting at least three nutrition events, plus one additional event involving the pastor, and making at least one policy change (e.g., establishing guidelines for the types of foods served at church functions or changing snacks served at youth camps). Additional church-wide activities include hosting guest speakers, cooking demonstrations and taste tests, and providing self-help materials such as a cookbook, video, and educational pamphlets. A Peer Counseling Training DVD product is available; however, it was not included as part of the original study. Lay church volunteers also conduct at least two motivational counseling calls to members.
WEBSITE(S):
https://ebccp.cancercontrol.cancer.gov/programDetails. do?programId=257161
FAN is a Christian-based program with a 6-session online training program for the implementation team. This online training helps the team design the FAN program for the specific congregation. The program focuses on fun activities to increase physical activity, encourages people to eat more fruits and vegetables, change church practices to be more health-friendly, and has ideas for sending health-related messages in the usual modes of communication – bulletins, sermons, etc. There are program materials available for an entire year if desired.).
The ”evidence” showed increases in physical activities as well as more fruit and vegetables eaten by church congregants. Current funding from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) lets this program be offered at no cost to churches for the leader training. Evaluation forms for the program are required to keep funding available.
WEBSITE(S):
The goal of this program is to reduce children being overweight or obese. This program works to improve the healthy eating habits of children and families by working with the person who buys and prepares the family meals and snacks. Children are not included in the six sessions but are included in the family “TALK,” with talks about possible ideas to improve healthy eating and the things the family group might be willing to try. Food and healthy eating information are included in the six sessions, a 5-minute video, a weekly goal-setting sheet, information handouts, and recipes. The group facilitator also has an outline for the session. A recipe is provided for each session for the end of each session for the group to make and taste.
The “evidence” from the research showed this program decreased body mass index (or BMI). ( Information on how to figure out BMIs for adults, children, and teens is found in the Additional Information section.)
WEBSITE(S):
https://ebccp.cancercontrol.cancer.gov/programDetails.do?programId=2646469
The manual is designed for organizations and individuals interested in starting a walking group in their community. Walk Your Heart to Health is a group walking program emphasizing social support and groups. The program identifies common challenges and solutions to walking in urban areas. It is focused on building community strengths (e.g., community-based organizations). It is designed for people who live in areas with fewer resources for recreation, where the environment is more challenging for physical activity or those who simply prefer walking with others in a group. The program meets the minimum recommendations for physical activity and can be adapted for those who wish to walk at differing paces or distances.
WEBSITE(S):
Weight-Wise is a behavioral weight management program adapted from two very effective research-tested interventions. It is geared to fit the needs of midlife women. The program focuses on changing lifestyle behaviors to help with weight loss and prevent diabetes. It has also helped keep blood pressure numbers down. Weight-Wise builds on theories of behavior change that emphasize setting achievable goals, building self-efficacy or confidence, and providing opportunities for problem-solving and group social support.
WEBSITE(S):
These videos were created by the EPICC staff and Project Leadership Team acting as a congregation’s EPICC team. EPICC staff will provide additional assistance and guidance for selecting a health promotion program for your congregation if you like.