The Church as a Bridge to Deliver Health Resources Via Telehealth

The Church as a Bridge to Deliver Health Resources Via Telehealth to Alleviate Obesity and Chronic Disease Disparities in Rural African Americans of Mississippi

The proposed Church Bridge intervention project will provide an innovative, evidence-based and technology supported, health intervention model for Southern, African American, and rural populations who continue to be disparately burdened by obesity and associated co-morbidities (i.e., hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease). By targeting young adults (21-50 years of age) with families, the project will contribute to the long-term reduction of preventable chronic disease and related health care costs for the public.

Inclusion Criteria:

• BMI >/=30
• Must have elementary aged child (5-11 years) in household

Exclusion Criteria:

• Any health condition where weight loss is contraindicated
• Complicated disease states (ie., advanced renal disease or heart failure)