title: Enhancing the role of faith-based organizations to improve health: a commentary.
abstract: Researchers, policymakers, and community members increasingly recognize the potential to leverage faith-based organizations (FBOs) to improve health. This commentary complements Leyva and colleagues' article on whether and how members of FBOs view such a role. The commentary draws on our 13+ years operating a faith-based and community-based research organization, Faith Moves Mountains, in the Appalachian context. Issues to be addressed in the further development of faith-based health promotion include sustainability; adherence to the evidence-based operations of interventions, training, and privacy and protection protocols; and understanding the changing landscape of American public life.
authors.affiliation: College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536-0086, USA. nesch@uky.edu.
authors.forename: Nancy E
authors.initials: NE
authors.lastname: Schoenberg
keywords: Community-based interventions; Disease prevention; Faith-base; Health promotion