AfroHerbalism is a culturally competent and innovative solution to health inequity in African American communities. Using education, very hands-on activities and employing community resources instills a sense of ownership and control over their health - knowing where to go and what to use redefines accessibility. Participants acquire a new skillset, become teachers and learn to exert their own influence over their health and that of others. In this way, each participant takes responsibility for improved health outcomes. AfroHerbalism inspires and esteems identity by teaching herbalism in a relevant historical context. We believe that this helps to build a strong sense of self. Learning new skills that can be shared with others, family and/or fellow youth, provides a sense of purpose and responsibility.
We also find AfroHerbalism timely and innovative as we enter the International Decade for People of African Descent. One of the many aims for the United Nations General Assembly resolution 68/237 is to promote a greater knowledge of and respect for the diverse heritage, culture and contribution of people of African descent to the development of [societies], practices and disciplines. We believe AfroHerbalism successfully achieves this end.
We found that community-based educational intervention is an effective way to inspire health-related behavioral change. Promising aspects from engaging in this program are its positive and sustainable influence in the following areas:
- Personal Resilience/Self-concept
- Knowledge, Attitudes and Beliefs
- General substance use
- Health-risk behaviors
- Physical Health Conditions and Symptoms
- Parenting Behaviors
- Family-child Relationship
- Healthy Relationships
- School engagement (Potentially)
- School climate (Potentially)
- Cannabis (non-medical) use and disorders (Potentially)
- Social competence