5 South Bend barbershops providing free health screenings, educational information for men
SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Five barbershops across South Bend are participating in the 9th annual Indiana Black Barbershop Health Initiative on April 6.
From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., free health screenings and educational information about health for men will be provided at the following locations:
- Al’s House of Style
- CJ’s
- Main Event
- Wig Falls
- Nu’ Image
The screenings will test health factors such as blood pressure, body mass index, blood glucose and educational information about prostate health.
Volunteer and host of the initiative, Wesley Butler, says the health of black males is a discussion the community should have. Butler believes the black barbershop is an important place to begin -- especially since illness hit close to home affecting his own family. Butler says, "I do have some family that has suffered from different illnesses and things that we could've gotten a lot earlier and had a different story written."
Executive Director of the Indiana Gaming Commission on the Social Status of Black Males, James Garrett Jr. says the barbershop is a safe and comfortable environment for black males to discuss a host of topics and adds that the initiative pushes health to be one of them, believing the initiative is needed in Indiana.
“Trying to make a difference in the lives of black males as it relates to their health," said Butler. "We have the highest mortality rate, so what can we do about that?"
Event organizers believe the initiative is a way for people to know that screenings don't need to be invasive and there is a community which cares about their well-being.
The event is hosted by the Indiana Commission on the Social Status of Black Males, Phi Beta Sigma and Crescent Consulting.