Community Health Initiative Teams Up with Barbershop to Offer Free Blood Pressure Checks
Marvin Taylor, the owner of All in the Wrists Barbershop in Indianapolis, has been a staple in his community for over ten years. Located at the intersection of 22nd and Meridian streets, just north of Indiana University Indianapolis, Taylor sees firsthand the health challenges faced by his customers and neighbors.
To tackle these issues, Taylor’s barbershop has become a site for an innovative program that provides free blood pressure monitoring, blood sugar checks, and additional health services. This initiative is a collaboration between Indiana University (IU) and IU Health, aiming to make health care more accessible.
“Barbershops are community hubs where folks gather and converse,” Taylor explained. “When a friend suggested offering a space for blood pressure checks, I jumped on board. It felt like a fantastic idea.”
A Community-Focused Health Program
The health program operates under the guidance of community health workers from IU Health’s Office of Healthy Communities, with expert support from researchers at the IU Fairbanks School of Public Health. Leading this effort is Dr. Brownsyne Tucker Edmonds, who serves as the chief health impact officer at IU Health.
“One of the biggest issues we face is that high blood pressure often comes with no symptoms, making it a ‘silent killer,’” said Erika Cheng, an associate professor at IU and executive director of the HEALeR Collaborative. “Many people are discovering their high blood pressure for the first time through this program, and some have been surprisingly close to needing urgent care.”
On a recent Tuesday, health workers Medgine Louis Cadet and Carla Logrono were present in Taylor’s barbershop, engaging clients in health checks and inviting them to contribute to research aimed at improving the program.
“We want to refine this initiative by getting feedback from the community,” Logrono stated. “This way, we can develop a consistent approach that can fit into various community spaces like farmer’s markets or salons.”
Positive Health Outcomes
Since the program began, close to 2,000 individuals have received screenings in various Indianapolis barbershops, including Taylor’s. Many patrons are now proactively asking when the health workers will return for their checks.
“I used to have to urge my customers to get their blood pressure checked,” Taylor shared. “Now they’re the ones saying, ‘When will the blood pressure people be back?’”
Taylor also recounted stories of clients whose lives were changed thanks to this initiative. One woman discovered she had severe hypertension and an unusually low heart rate during a routine check. She received urgent care, including a pacemaker, and credits the program with saving her life.
“I’ve seen people lower their numbers and take control of their health,” Taylor added. “If we can help just one person, I feel we’re doing something valuable.”
Research conducted by Cheng’s team revealed that 74% of those screened had high blood pressure, with most unaware of their condition. IU Health is also providing tools for long-term management, like home blood pressure monitors, allowing patients to stay on top of their health.
Expanding the Initiative’s Reach
The goal of the HEALeR Collaborative is to assess the effectiveness of this barbershop program and similar initiatives, identifying areas where resources can make the most impact.
“Healthcare workers deliver care on the spot, but they don’t always have the time to evaluate their outcomes,” Cheng noted. “HEALeR helps fill that gap, ensuring we understand what is working and how we can improve.”
The collaborative also aims to integrate evaluations into programs from the beginning, allowing successful initiatives to expand their reach. Along with blood pressure initiatives, HEALeR is developing a maternal health program to reduce anemia in expectant mothers, addressing a critical healthcare issue.
“I believe healthcare should be accessible and fair for everyone,” Cheng said. “I feel privileged to play a part in enhancing its effectiveness and reach.”
This unique partnership between a barbershop and health professionals is not just about health checks; it is about building a stronger, healthier community.
