Programs

Over a 20-year period, SDBHA has operated specific programs aimed at improving the health status of black people and other people of color. In addition, SDBHA is a resource for healthcare professionals, organizations and laypersons. Through the use of dedicated volunteer members, SDBHA has developed strong working relationships with a variety of community agencies and organizations, including the African American church. Through these collaborations, we have been successful in maximizing the impact of our community health promotion activities.

Over the years, SDBHA and CBHN have collaborated or participated individually in a variety of community based programs in San Diego. Some examples and their funding sources are as follows:

Creation of Children Having Children Agency (1986 - present) – funded by the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation and US Health & Human Services Agency - This Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program, is a direct outgrowth of SDBHA efforts and continues to thrive.

Creation of a San Diego Institute on Violence Prevention (1993) - Federal Office of Minority Health – This Institute convened many community representatives and gave public visibility to the importance of violence prevention as a public health issue.  The Institute began work with the County Department of Health Services, when it opened a Division of Violence and Injury Prevention.  Shortly thereafter, the County employed Alicia Dixon, SDBHA’s Program Coordinator, as the first Director of the Violence Division.

Community Prostate Awareness Program (1993) - funded by Merck Corp, this effort confirmed the benefit of taking a health promotion message to existing social groups such as fraternities and other community organizations with active messages for primary prevention.

 Community Tobacco Education (1994 - 1997) - funded by the State of California, CBHN is recognized as one of the leaders in tobacco education in the African American community. CBHN and its chapters have continuously implemented programs since 1994, in churches, youth groups and community organizations.

Breast Cancer Outreach (1998) – funded by Scripps Cancer Center and Susan B. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation – this effort resulted in a collaboration with San Diego Black Nurses in reaching women for breast cancer awareness sessions.

Prostate Cancer Screening Program (1999) - Scripps Cancer Center- this was a volunteer program to reach out to African American males regarding early detection and treatment of prostate cancer.

Using a coalition of African American agencies, ministerial alliances, health care programs and social service agencies, this project held five free screening clinics for indigent, non-insurance covered males in the target area.

Church Based Computer Enhancement Mini-Grant (1999) – funded by California Telehealth Foundation-a program to develop computer capabilities for community health education purposes in twenty African American churches.

Faith-Based Approach to Community Health (2004 – 2006) - In cooperation with the African American churches, SDBHA pursed the reduction of chronic disease health disparities through a program of education and direct action. Once a month a health forum was held in a different community church to enhance the awareness and identify remedies for health issues prevalent in our community. These forums brought together the churches, the community, local businesses, and service providers in an effort to improve the health of African Americans.  SDBHA developed numerous Fact Sheets that informed residents about the important elements of chronic diseases.  Pre-and Post Test questions were asked to document the immediate improvement from the lecturers.  Finally, referrals to community exercise and meal preparation programs was undertaken to stimulate a shift from traditional cooking.

Steppin' to Health Project (2005 - 2008) -The “Steppin’ to Health” Project was a three year project funded by the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Minority Health.  The Project was developed by the San Diego Black Health Associates to build upon the existing relationships and sustain the best practices of the Sweet Heart Project, a five year CBHN program funded by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention Foundation funds which originated with The California Endowment. The goal of Steppin’ to Health was to improve health care management of diabetes through education, screening, and better management of diabetes in the African Americans community, particularly for persons who are overweight or obese.      Program activities included risk assessments, referrals, increased physical activity and education for better nutrition.