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Enhancing the role of faith-based organizations to improve health: a commentary

  • Commentary/Position Paper
  • Published:
Translational Behavioral Medicine

Abstract

Researchers, policymakers, and community members increasingly recognize the potential to leverage faith-based organizations (FBOs) to improve health. This commentary complements Leyva and colleagues’ article on whether and how members of FBOs view such a role. The commentary draws on our 13+ years operating a faith-based and community-based research organization, Faith Moves Mountains, in the Appalachian context. Issues to be addressed in the further development of faith-based health promotion include sustainability; adherence to the evidence-based operations of interventions, training, and privacy and protection protocols; and understanding the changing landscape of American public life.

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Acknowledgements

The findings reported have not been previously published and that the manuscript is not being simultaneously submitted elsewhere. No data have been reported elsewhere. I, the author, have full control of all primary data and allow the journal to review their data if requested.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536-0086, USA

    Nancy E. Schoenberg Ph.D.

Authors
  1. Nancy E. Schoenberg Ph.D.
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Correspondence to Nancy E. Schoenberg Ph.D..

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There is no source of funding. The author declares that she has no conflict of interest.

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Implications

Researchers or Research: In developing faith-based partnerships, researchers must consider program sustainability, evidence-based interventions, training, and privacy and protection protocols.

Practitioners or Practice: Faith-based organizations can be excellent health promotion partners

Policymakers or Policy: Religious practice is declining, which should be acknowledged in future policy and research development.

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Schoenberg, N.E. Enhancing the role of faith-based organizations to improve health: a commentary. Behav. Med. Pract. Policy Res. 7, 529–531 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13142-017-0485-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13142-017-0485-1

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