FELLAShip to Better Health
Recruiting · Birmingham, Alabama
Always free
Study care at no cost to you
For your time and travel
Many studies pay you back
Most need no insurance or papers
Legal status usually isn't required; we'll tell you each study's requirements
Interpreters available
Ask for your language
Your choice
Voluntary — you can stop anytime
What is this study?
The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of the FELLAship program-a church-based cardiovascular health (CVH) intervention-in Black men aged 35-70 who are at risk for heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and related conditions. The main questions this study aims to answer are: * Does participation in the FELLAship program improve cardiovascular health metrics (e.g., blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar) and health behaviors among Black men at The Worship Center Christian Church (TWC)?
It is , overseen by an independent and licensed medical staff.
Read the full clinical description
The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of the FELLAship program-a church-based cardiovascular health (CVH) intervention-in Black men aged 35-70 who are at risk for heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and related conditions. The main questions this study aims to answer are: * Does participation in the FELLAship program improve cardiovascular health metrics (e.g., blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar) and health behaviors among Black men at The Worship Center Christian Church (TWC)? * What factors influence the adoption, delivery, and sustainability of the FELLAship program in a faith-based setting? Researchers will compare an immediate-start intervention group and a delayed-start (waitlist control) group to assess both short-term health outcomes and program implementation factors. Participants will: * Attend a 90-minute weekly session for 24 weeks, including 45 minutes of physical activity led by a certified trainer and 45 minutes of health education delivered by trained coaches. * Receive one-on-one support from a community health worker to reduce barriers to care and engage with primary care. * Complete biometric health screenings and surveys at baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks to assess clinical and behavioral outcomes. * Use a smartwatch, blood pressure cuff, and other tools to track progress in real time. * Participate in exit focus groups or interviews to share feedback about the intervention. * A subset of TWC leaders and interventionists (N=15) will also be interviewed to assess implementation, resource needs, and sustainability. This study uses the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance) framework to assess Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance, and aims to inform scalable strategies for improving CVH among Black men in trusted community settings.
Who this study is looking for
In plain language, from the study's own rules. The study team confirms the full details with you — this isn't a final yes or no.
✅ You may be able to join if…
- •Self-identify as Black men
- •Age 18 or older
- •Speak English
- •Live in the Metropolitan Birmingham, Alabama area
- •No healthcare provider-imposed physical activity restrictions
🚫 You may not be able to join if…
- •Not Black or not male
- •Under age 18
- •Do not speak English
- •Do not live in the Birmingham, Alabama metro area
- •A healthcare provider restricts their physical activity
- •They have “ideal” cardiovascular health based on their LE8 score (LE8 score above the inclusion threshold)
Are you a good fit?
Simplified highlights. The study team always confirms the full details with you.
- ✓Adults roughly 18–any age
What to expect, step by step
- 1
Usually a few weeks
The study team checks whether the study is a good fit for you, with a visit and sometimes lab tests. You can ask any questions before deciding.
- 2
Treatment
If you join and choose to continue, you receive the study treatment and are watched closely by medical staff.
- 3
Follow-up
After treatment, the team checks on your health and confirms the visit schedule with you. You can leave the study at any point.
Has this treatment been tested before?
The study team can share what safety testing has been done so far.
What you need to know before you apply
What is this study testing?+
The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of the FELLAship program-a church-based cardiovascular health (CVH) intervention-in Black men aged 35-70 who are at risk for heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and related conditions. The main questions this study aims to answer are: * Does participation in the FELLAship program improve cardiovascular health metrics (e.g., blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar) and health behaviors among Black men at The Worship Center Christian Church (TWC)?
Is it safe? Who makes sure of that?+
This is a research study. Every study is reviewed and monitored by an independent ethics board (called an IRB) whose job is to protect participants, and care is overseen by licensed medical staff. You'll be told the known risks before you agree to anything, and you can stop at any time.
Will I get a placebo instead of the real treatment?+
Some studies compare a treatment against a placebo (an inactive version), and some don't. If this one does, the study team will explain your chances of receiving the active treatment before you decide. Nothing is hidden from you.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications?+
It depends on the study. Some let you stay on your current medications and some ask you to adjust them. Never stop a medication on your own — the study team will review everything with you first.
Does it cost anything? Will I be paid?+
Study-related care is provided at no cost to you. Some studies also pay for your time; the coordinator can tell you if this one does. You should never be asked to pay to take part.
Do I need insurance? Will anyone ask about my immigration status?+
No. You do not need health insurance to take part in a research study, and you will not be asked about your immigration status to join. Taking part is about whether you're a medical fit for the study.
What if English isn't my first language?+
You have the right to understand everything before you agree. Study sites can often provide materials or an interpreter in your language — you can ask the coordinator for one.
Is my information private?+
Yes. Your health information is only shared with the study sites you choose to be contacted by, and only to help match and enroll you. It is never sold, and you can ask us to delete it at any time.
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · NCT07220213 · Locations: Alabama