AFRICAN HEALTH CARE INITIATIVE

The African American Health Program (AAHP) is an educational initiative focused on improving the health status of African Americans. Over the past two years, Community Partners has obtained grant funding through AAHP to sponsor diabetes and obesity workshops for Public Housing residents Nutrition and Cooking Classes and Exercise Classes.

During its first year, a 'Healthy Heart' Cooking Class and Exercise Class were offered at a Family Resource Center located in an HOC Public Housing Community.

During its second year, through group participation and example a group of senior citizens residents at two HOC apartment buildings learned how to prepare nutritional meals and shed extra pounds by performing low impact exercises. With the help of a licensed nutritionist, the group learned how to grow their own herbs and spices which could be used as a flavor substitute for butter and salt. The nutritionist also taught the mature but active group how to read nutrition labels at several local grocery stores, as they purchased an assortment of foods to be prepared by the group during the Healthy Heart cooking classes.

Due to the success of this program Community Partners, Inc. has been funded again by the African American Health Initiative for the 2006-2007 fiscal year. The new program will focus on the prevention of obesity in youth ages 8-13 years of age. Through this program, a Community Partners' Bike Club will target sedentary youth and challenge them to become active and healthier. Not only will the children learn to safely ride bikes throughout the many trails in Montgomery County, but they will also be taught the health benefits of leading and active lifestyle.

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