Objective: This presentation will describe how a preterm birth awareness project entitled, “Health Ministry Volunteers Promote a Better Chance for Healthy Babies, Healthy Families”, was created, evaluated and revised with the input of six urban, faith-based congregations.

 Project Design: Health ministry volunteers, persons formally assigned by congregations to promote health, were involved in the project. Two health ministry volunteers participated from six different congregations. Health ministry volunteers were from Baptist (n=2), Missionary Baptist (n=2), Catholic (n=1) and Methodist (n=1) faith denominations. Four 2-hour workshops, spaced 1-2 months apart, were held within one year. One to two individual group meetings with health ministry volunteers also occurred.  

 Findings: Health ministry volunteers devised preterm birth awareness projects based upon their congregational strengths and resources. Health ministry projects, for example, promoted collective storytelling, visual awareness of the challenges of a preterm infant, and health information dissemination. Each congregation adapted a health awareness framework that was consistent with the mission of their congregation, and health ministry.

 Implications: Awareness projects can be effectively developed and received if they are based on the missionary values of a congregation. Health ministries, utilizing their strengths, focused on the social determinants of preterm birth disparity. Projects were tailored to congregational strengths and missionary values.

Acknowledgements: The project was funded by the March of Dimes. Appreciated is extended to the health ministry volunteers and workshop facilitators.