State-wide health initiative sparking health conversations through haircuts

ELKHART, Ind. – Four local barbershops in Elkhart are participating in the 10th annual Indiana Black Barbershop Health Initiative on Saturday, April 16.

 Over 50 barbershops across Indiana are taking part in the state-wide health initiative. Tara Morris, the Executive Director of the Minority Health Coalition Elkhart County said the goal is to bring awareness to health and wellness.

 “This is the opportunity where we know the conversations take place within the barbershops and salons. So, we want to capture those individuals that may not be aware of their health status,” Morris said. 

 The state-wide health initiative started as a way to bring the conversation about men's health, health disparities that black men face, and the hesitancy to seek medical attention. 

This year, 16 cities, including three from Michiana, are taking part in the conversation and offering free health screenings for blood pressure, weight, blood glucose, BMI, and educational information on cancer, and healthy lifestyles and exercise.

 “When you think about blood pressures and not knowing your numbers, we want to make sure that you keep a constant check on that" Morris said. "And for diabetes, some people don’t know what their blood sugar level is. That’s why it's so important to at least offer these basic health screenings through this statewide barbershop initiative,” Morris said. 

 The four Elkhart barbershops include: Perfect Touch, Total Look, Esther Salon & Barber, and Fashion Beauty Salon are all taking part in the 10th annual Black Barbershop Health Initiative. Free basic health screenings will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.