A volunteer citizen-servant pilot program using tailored messages to empower Alabamians to live healthier lives.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This study examines the use of tailored messages as a learning tool to volunteer citizen servants to promote health and empower Alabama citizens to live healthier lives. DESIGN AND SAMPLE Descriptive data of formative and summative questionnaires were analyzed from convenience sampling in this study, which encompassed 12 months. MEASURES: Researchers formed unique partnerships among community service organizations (CSO), faith-based organizations (FBO), author affiliated school of nursing, and community organizations to implement Healthy People 2010 goals. The program provided "health information stations" to focus on delivery of monthly culturally relevant messages to meet the health needs in the community. RESULTS: This program provided tailored health messages to 11 CSO and FBO. Outcome measures include an increase in health promotion knowledge, desire for furtherance and expansion of programs, and improved contacts within the community. CONCLUSIONS: The results from this study provide achievement of overall program goals, suggestions for improved evaluation strategies, implementation plans, and examples of specific topical messages.