Reducing Chronic Disease Health Disparities in the Deep South

The study is a gardening intervention among 150 older cancer survivors and individuals living with chronic disease (cardiovascular disease and diabetes) in the states of Alabama and Mississippi. This program focuses on 15 counties where a Community Health Advisor training program is in place (Bullock, Calhoun, Dallas Madison, Marengo, Monroe, Sumter, Talladega, Walker Counties in Alabama and Boliver, Granada, Humphrey, Panola, Sunflower, and Yazoo Counties in Mississippi). Participants are paired with Cooperative Extension certified Master Gardeners to plant a vegetable garden at their place of residence (the intervention). Baseline, midpoint, and 1 year follow up will occur. Previous pilot work provides an established relationship with the Cooperative Extension as well as training mechanisms for the Master Gardeners.