Black Churches in Substance Use and Abuse Prevention Efforts

• NCJ Number: 214758
• Journal: Journal of Alcohol and Drug Education Volume: 50 Issue: 2 Dated: June 2006 Pages: 43-65
• Author(s): Diane R. Brown; Wilma Scott; Krim Lacey; Joan Blount; Dorothy Roman; Doreen Brown
• Date Published: June 2006
• Length: 23 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Program/Project Description
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

This article describes the activities and accomplishments of the Faith-Based Network Detroit (FBND) program, a community-based program designed to encourage the involvement of Black churches in drug prevention activities.

Abstract

Results of a survey measuring the effectiveness of the FBND program indicated that the program was successful in building the capacity of faith-based organizations to deliver alcohol and drug prevention programming. Most participating faith-based organizations reported that the technical assistance provided by FBND program staff and the quarterly training workshops were most helpful in developing and implementing their prevention programming. Other results showed that one-third of participating organizations had implemented a substance abuse prevention program, another one-third were in the development process, while the remaining one-third had not yet begun the development process. Recommendations are offered for future program planning and implementation, including the advice to conduct a needs assessment prior to program implementation and to restructure the program for maximum participation and productivity. Evaluation methodology included surveys of FBND participants and nonparticipants, focus groups, and interviews with key informants. Survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Main goals of the FBND program were to: (1) increase the capacity of faith-based organizations to combat alcohol and drug use in their communities; (2) join faith-based organizations around common issues to facilitate the sharing of knowledge, strategies, and resources; and (3) identify, develop, and distribute relevant resources to faith-based organizations. The five major activities of FBND programs included: (1) recruiting FBND program participants; (2) providing quarterly training on alcohol and drug prevention strategies; (3) establishing cluster groups for collaboration; (4) providing technical assistance; and (5) providing community seminars on alcohol, tobacco, and other drug prevention. Tables, references