THE STAIRSTEP HEALTH DISPARITIES INITIATIVE

There is a Balm (TIAB) is a health focussed effort begun in 2002 in response to an Eliminating Health Disparities  RFP from the Minnesota Department of Health.  The Stairstep response involved utilizing the church network by imbedding health site coordinators in collaborating churches.  The coordinators meet with the TIAB program director once a month and receive training and design approaches for their individual congregations to share information and prompt healthier lifestyles and choices.  Under the general heading of TIAB we also operate several focussed programs of note: “I Can Prevent Diabetes”, Body and Soul, and Mini Flu Clinics.

22 congregations have site coordinators that meet monthly to receive information and training that allows them to customize health strategies for their individual congregations.

  • 15 congregations have completed base line health profiles of their membership

  • The participating congregations do nutrition education 2-3 times per year connecting poor eating habits to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer education

  • 1,200 cholesterol checks have been completed

  • 3000 flu shots have been given

  • 8,000 glucose checks have been done

  • 21,000 blood pressure checks have been administered

  • 10% of individuals engaged have had results that required them to follow up with their doctor