Helping African American churches promote better health.

Engaging Partners in Caring Communities (EPICC): Building capacity to implement health promotion programs in African American churches

['FUNDING_U01'] · TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11085268

This study is working to improve health in African American communities by helping local churches create and run health programs that fit their needs, using a special app and website for support along the way.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_U01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorTENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NASHVILLE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11085268 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This project aims to reduce health disparities in African American communities by implementing health promotion programs in local churches. It involves forming teams within 30 participating churches to select and deliver evidence-based health programs tailored to their needs. The teams will utilize a specially designed app and website to assess their capacity and receive technical assistance throughout the process. By fostering collaboration between academic researchers and community members, the project seeks to enhance the effectiveness of health initiatives in these congregations.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are African American individuals and families who are members of participating churches and are affected by chronic health conditions.

Not a fit: Patients who are not part of the participating churches or who do not identify as African American may not receive benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health outcomes and reduced chronic disease rates in African American communities.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in community-based health interventions within faith-based organizations, indicating a promising approach for this project.

Where this research is happening

NASHVILLE, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Cancers

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.