Actresses Pam Cook, left, and Emana Rachelle record an episode of “Camberwell” at
Boutwell Studios. The weekly radio drama gives health info in the guise of a
soap opera. Below left is actor Calvin Benford. 

Health activists are using radio to reach listeners with advice using a dramatic touch.

“Camberwell” is a local weekly radio series about the prevention of chronic diseases. Birmingham-based company Media for Health develops and produces this soap opera primarily geared towards black listeners in underserved communities.

Shermetria Massingale, program coordinator for Media for Health, says that the radio drama aims to provide information so that residents can make healthy improvements. The intention is to use entertainment to reach groups who may not typically respond to advertisements or fliers.

The show revolves around a community of people who worry about their own health as well as others’ well-being. Topics address obesity, quitting smoking and chronic ailments. The 3-minute episodes started airing June 30.

“A key element is building a community-based radio serial drama,” Massingale says. ”Community members are involved in all aspects from creation to production.”

Audio: “Camberwell” episode No. 48, Dec. 22

The Birmingham actors include Cheryl Hall, an instructor at UAB’s theater department. The writers include Cheryl Davis, a New York attorney and playwright who worked on the CBS soap opera “As the World Turns.” Most of the series is recorded and produced at Boutwell Studios in Homewood.

Connie L. Kohler, professor of health behavior at the UAB School of Public Health, serves as a co-producer for the show, having worked on similar productions. The team draws on resources from the Jefferson County Department of Health, UAB School of Public Health, UAB Department of Preventive Medicine, and UAB School of Optometry.

In addition, Media Health produces another radio soap, “Promesas y Traiciones” (“Promises and Betrayals”), aimed at the Hispanic community.

“Camberwell” can be heard at 2 p.m. Thursdays and 7 p.m. Fridays on WAGG (610 AM) and at 10 p.m. Sundays on 98.7 Kiss FM.

• More Shermika Dunner at ArtBLT

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