UAB: Comprehensive Cancer Center

WALK Feel Alive!

The DSN WALK program adapted from the UAB Minority Health Disparity and Research Center (MHRC) WALK Feel Alive Program was created in response to the communities’ interest in physical activity as a way to reduce cancer disparities. This program, piloted in urban Jefferson County, Alabama utilized a Social Network Model in which DSN CHARPs and local CNPs served as WALK Team Leaders. Their primary role was to recruit other members of their community to participate on their individual WALK Teams and provide cancer awareness and screening messages to ultimately increase cancer screenings among those who rarely or never received screenings for the project’s targeted cancers.

The overall goal of the DSN WALK Campaign was to promote cancer awareness, screening, and a healthier lifestyle in neighborhoods and communities by encouraging its citizens to increase their walking by joining structured community-based WALK Teams.

Watch participants in Selma, Alabama, kick off the DSN WALK Campaign:

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Did you know that the DSN WALK program…

--Began in April 2007 with an enrollment of 1860 walkers and 215 teams.

--Was implemented in 22 counties from the Mississippi Delta and Rural Alabama.

--Used DSN volunteers (CHARPs & CNPs) to serve as Team Leaders to motivate, encourage, and educate others.

--At 1 year, had 165 registered teams and 1,107 active walkers (60% retention).

For more information on the WALK program, please visit www.walkfeelalive.com or call 1-877-MHRC-UAB (1-877-647-2822).