Black Barbershop Health Outreach Program

Black Barbershop Health Outreach Program Dr. Travis Stork: Nearly 24 million Americans have been diagnosed with diabetes, the numbers are even rising. Dr. Lisa Masterson: And African-Americans have higher rates of heart attacks, heart disease and stroke. Dr. Travis Stork: Well, part of the reason of that is we need more community awareness. So, Lisa and I joined the community outreach program to help create awareness. Bill Releford: The Black Barbershop Health Outreach program is created out of the need to address health care disparities in African-American man. Black men have the lowest life expectancy of any group in the country. Barbershops were places where we could lead and discuss the different things about politics and things like that. So now, we’re talking about health in the barbershop. We’re talking about diabetes, exercising, fitness, high blood sugar. Dr. Travis Stork: A lot of times, people come into the ER, they haven’t had any health screenings because there is no access but you’re creating access in a non-likely place. Dr. Lisa Masterson: It’s not necessarily that the African-American men don’t care about their health, it’s just trying to get — Bill Releford: It’s not easy. Dr. Lisa Masterson: When was the last time you saw a doctor? Male 1: It’s been a year and a half. Dr. Lisa Masterson: How many times do you go to Barbershop? Male 1: Every two weeks. Dr. Lisa Masterson: You’re in the barbershop every two weeks but you haven’t been in a doctor in a year and a half. Dr. Travis Stork: You’re a little bit up. You’re about 155/125 right now. Kim Coles: I’m here because health in the African-American community is close to my heart. I think it’s to get the message out about diabetes and about health, good health care. Dr. Lisa Masterson: Did you get your haircut today too? Male 2: Yeah and I appreciate everything. I appreciate what all you guys are doing. Dr. Lisa Masterson: Thanks a lot. Male: I appreciate it. Thank you. Dr. Travis Stork: Did you ever consider taking a haircut while you’re getting blood pressure checks? Dr. Lisa Masterson: Kind of a different mix, huh? Dr. Travis Stork: Your blood pressure’s high. Did you know that? Your blood pressure is high? Male 3: I’m not aware of that. Bill Releford: Nothing is more fulfilling when you run into somebody and says “Oh, I didn’t know I was diabetic” or “I didn’t know I had high blood pressure.” It’s a lot when it’s the Black Barbershop Health Outreach Program. Dr. Lisa Masterson: That was a great way to use community hangout to take care of you health. I love that.