Activities for Members of Religious Congregations

Since the 1970's, the NHLBI has supported research and demonstration programs to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke in religious congregations. The results show that the interventions were effective, and the congregations developed a strong ownership of the programs.

"Working With Religious Congregations: A Guide for Health Professionals" lists the following reasons for directing programs to this population:

• A congregation offers a clearly defined and accessible audience.
• Congregations influence their members' values and behaviors.
• The clergy is motivated to help improve the well being of the congregation, and members can be motivated through concern for each other.
• Black congregations have been especially receptive to such efforts.
• Programs supported by the clergy will gain credibility with the members.
• Congregations offer access to high priority populations—families, minorities, older people, and women.
• Congregations have members who volunteer to work on important projects.

Some suggested activities for National High Blood Pressure Education Month include:

• High Blood Pressure (HBP) Sunday—May 6, 2007
  
  
• Other Activities for Religious Congregations
• High Blood Pressure Screening, Referral, and Follow Up
• Healthy Cooking Demonstrations and Food Tasting Events
• Children's Letter Writing Campaign/Contest
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• Speakers on the Prevention and Control of High Blood Pressure
• Ideas Suggested by the Congregation