As the final, and most expensive, portion of the program, Not One More Life provides Internet-ready computers to small- and medium-sized churches. In Atlanta, only 30% of African American homes have Internet access, compared with 70% of white homes, Dr. Graham said.
By providing these computers, the program enables churches to set up a health kiosk where individuals can learn about different health topics. The program Web site,
Funding the Mission
When Not One More Life was first proposed in mid-2000, Dr. Graham and associates lacked the funds necessary to put their concept into action. So they began to pursue funding through industry sponsors. They have since received financial support from pharmaceutical companies to carry out their mission.
Until recently, these funds were distributed through a fiduciary of the American Lung Association of Georgia. However, in December 2005, Not One More Life gained nonprofit 501(c)(3) status, which allowed the program to receive contributions directly. The organization has submitted several grant applications currently under consideration, and it has received a small number of individual contributions.
It is largely volunteer based, with all clinicians giving their time without compensation. Currently, the only paid individuals are the program coordinator, the nurse outcome manager, a grant writer, and a director of development.
Dr. Graham said he hopes to expand the reach of Not One More Life beyond asthma screening in African American churches in Atlanta. Not One More Life has visited other faith-based communities, such as mosques, Southern Baptist churches, and synagogues.
Outside Atlanta, Dr. Graham has made contact with interested persons in other major U.S. cities, and he hopes to be able to spread the concept to these other areas. For those interested in starting a community-based health education and screening program, Dr. Graham has provided some perspectives based on lessons learned over the 5-year history of Not One More Life. (See box.)
Michael Stader, RRT, is part of the respiratory team that conducts education and screening events at Atlanta churches for the Not One More Life program. Courtesy Rick Lockridge
Organizing a Health Education Program
▸ Learn about the community. Be willing to listen and learn from the community leaders rather than having a “missionary” approach. A transactional approach, in which there is a partnership with the community, is much more likely to succeed, Dr. Graham said. “People don't want to be saved—people want to be empowered,” he explained.
▸ Show respect for the community. In working with churches, realize that pastors know what works in their communities. The members of the church place their trust in pastors, and if the pastor trusts you, that trust of the people from the community will be carried over to you as well.
▸ Be flexible in your scheduling. Timing can be an important determinant of a session's success. It is important to identify when a session would be most beneficial. For churches, Saturday or Sunday after services often works, and can result in a spillover effect from other activities going on. In fact, some churches may have a luncheon or dinner in conjunction with the event.
▸ Engage the participants. Many participants say that they have never had a chance to sit down and talk with a doctor one on one. This individual attention can make a difference for many people.
▸ Address the whole needs of the people. In many cases, health care encompasses social and cultural issues as well. People may have a “crisis view” of health care, in which they only attend to their health when a problem arises. In these situations, it is important to explain the importance of preventive care.