Lessons Learned from AMEN: African American Faith-Based Mental Health and Wellness Program.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored existing health disparities and inequities faced by African Americans (AAs).

Objectives: This paper highlights the process of establishing collaborative relationships between community and academic partners to enhance mental health through a holistic wellness program implemented with AA churches.

Methods: African American MENtal Health and Wellness Program (AMEN), an ongoing health equity program, uses a mixed-methods approach for process evaluation. The program engages a community-based participatory research team comprising academics, local AA pastors, lay health workers, and community organizations.

Results: The use of a multilevel community-based participa-tory research approach effectively engaged community members in wellness activities and empowered faith leaders to address mental health within diverse church activities.

Conclusions: Nurturing collaborative partnerships between faith leaders, academics, and community organizations is vital for building capacity and ensuring the sustainability of mental health promotion and wellness initiatives within AA communities.