Building Holistic HIV/AIDS Responses in African American Urban Faith Communities

Abstract

Holistic prevention strategies are increasingly more effective in eradicating the national human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) health crisis, which disproportionately affects African Americans. Faith communities have been integral in advancing African American community welfare; however, little is understood about their evolving role in HIV prevention. This article reports the findings from a study conducted in Washington, DC, that identifies the factors that shape the holistic development of HIV/AIDS-prevention programs within African American faith communities. By providing policy recommendations, the research illuminated a useful theoretic framework and opportunities to more holistically address current social and structural challenges in prevention efforts among faith–health leaders in similar environments.