“In My House”: Laying the Foundation for Youth HIV Prevention in the Black Church

Background:

This article describes the process our community–academic partnership used to lay the groundwork for successful implementation of an adolescent-focused, evidence-based HIV/AIDS prevention curriculum in two Black churches.

Objectives: We highlight the challenges encountered and lessons learned in building a relationship with two churches, garnering the pastor’s support, and implementing the curriculum within church youth groups.

Methods: We engaged a Community Advisory Board (CAB) made up of youth, parents, and diverse faith leaders to ensure community relevance and guide project development, implementation, and evaluation.

Lessons Learned: Using a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach helped us to (1) engage diverse, intergenerational community members, (2) initiate a “culturally humble” process to build relationships with faith leaders, (3) remain responsive to stakeholder concerns, and (4) open the door to HIV prevention in the Black church.

Conclusions: Finding effective and responsive ways to implement HIV/AIDS prevention in faith settings is facilitated by engaging diverse partners throughout the research process.