Indiana Black Barbershop Initiative holds 9th annual health screenings
SOUTH BEND, Ind.---Five barbershops across South Bend are participating in the 9th annual Indiana Black Barbershop Health Initiative today.
Free health screenings and educational information about prostate health for men will be provided. The event is hosted by the Indiana Commission on the Social Status of Black Males, Phi Beta Sigma, and Crescent Consulting.
This year the initiative is in 15 cities and in 60 barbershops across the state of Indiana, making it one of the highest number of participants since the initiative first began.
Al’s House of Style along with four other barbershops in South Bend will have free screenings for multiple health factors like blood glucose, blood pressure, body mass index, and educational information about prostate health for men.
James Garrett Jr., Executive Director of Indiana Commission on the Social Status of Black Males, said the barbershop is a comfortable and safe place for black males to discuss a range of topics. Garrett said the initiative pushes health to be one of those topics being discussed.
“We are trying to make a difference in the lives of black males as it relates to their health,” said Garrett. We have the highest mortality rate, so what can we do about that?”
The event’s organizers said the initiative is a great way for people coming to the shop for medical care to know that screenings don’t have to be invasive and there is a community that cares about their well-being.
The free screenings go until 3pm today and all are welcome.
List of participating barbershops below:
- Al’s House of Style
- CJ’s
- Main Event
- Wig Falls
- Nu’ Image