Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 24, 2025
Comprehensive & Cost Effective Laboratory Monitoring of HIV/AIDS: an African Role Model
Published on: October 31, 2010
COVID-19 Testing in African American Churches Using a Faith-Health- Academic Partnership.
Jannette Berkley-Patton1, Carole Bowe Thompson1, Turquoise Templeton1
1Jannette Berkley-Patton, Carole Bowe Thompson, Turquoise Templeton, Tacia Burgin, Stephen D. Simon, and Jenifer E. Allsworth are with the School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City. Kathryn P. Derose is with the Department of Health Promotion & Policy, University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Eric Williams is with Calvary Community Outreach Network, Kansas City, MO. Frank Thompson is with the Kansas City Missouri Health Department. Delwyn Catley is with the Center for Children's Healthy Lifestyles & Nutrition, Children's Mercy, Kansas City, MO.
Community health partnerships increased COVID-19 testing access in African American churches. This faith-based approach addressed health disparities by bringing testing directly to the community.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Disparities
- Community Interventions
Background:
- COVID-19 disparities disproportionately affect African Americans.
- Accessible community settings are crucial for effective testing interventions.
- Faith-based organizations can play a vital role in public health outreach.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe COVID-19 testing intervention strategies in African American churches.
- To evaluate a faith-health-academic partnership model for testing.
- To address COVID-19 testing disparities within the African American community.
Main Methods:
- A faith-health-academic partnership was established in Kansas City, Missouri.
- Trained faith leaders promoted COVID-19 testing using a tailored toolkit and educational materials.
- Testing was conducted in churches during and after services and outreach events.
Main Results:
- Over 300 COVID-19 tests were administered by the local health department.
- The intervention successfully integrated testing into existing community structures.
- Faith leaders actively engaged church and community members in testing initiatives.
Conclusions:
- Faith-based partnerships are effective for increasing COVID-19 testing access.
- Community-centered testing interventions can help mitigate health disparities.
- Multilevel interventions within trusted settings improve public health outcomes.
