Barbershop program gives free health screenings

Amidst the buzz of clippers and the hum of blow dryers at Hoosier Barber Shop, IU Health and Osman Chiropractic Center offered free public health screenings Saturday.

The tests included spinal screenings, lipid panels, blood pressure, diabetes, hepatitis C and HIV tests.
 
Bloomington is one of 12 Indiana cities participating in the Black Barbershop Health Outreach Program, a statewide initiative to promote health education in the African-American community. Screenings were also offered at the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center.

“Research has shown that the African-American male population has a higher incidence of disease and health issues,” Nancy Woolery, health projects manager for the Community and Family Resources Department, said.

The Community and Family Resources Department and the Commission on the Status of Black Males presented the program for the third year in a row.

Woolery said the barbershop setting encourages the African-American community to get tested while in a social environment.

“Barbershops in the African American population tend to be a social setting,” she said.

Jay Thompson, owner of the barbershop, enthusiastically chatted with the customers flowing into his establishment. He laughed and listened as he deftly trimmed their hair.

But when he had a spare moment between customers, he sat down and got tested by IU Health personnel.

Licensed practical nurse Lorie Conolty strapped the blood pressure monitor to his arm. A collage of pictures detailing different haircuts hung above her head.

Thompson said reaching out to the male population about health is important.

“We don’t take care of ourselves,” he said. “We sit around watching the game and then we die at half-time with a beer in our hands.”

Thompson added that offering the screenings in a barbershop made the atmosphere more comfortable for participants.

“If you’re in the barbershop and you see another guy getting his blood pressure tested, you say ‘hey, that’s not so bad,’” he said.

As he cut customer Mark Pointer’s hair, he did just that.

“Jump in there, don’t be scared,” he said.

Beverly Smith, vice chair of the Commission on the Status of Black Males, said offering free health screenings had a personal connection.

“Let’s put it this way. I am the sister, the daughter, and the friend of African-American males,” Smith said. “Their health and prosperity is very important to me. Just the health of the entire community is very important to me.”

The response of the recipients of the health tests was great, she added.

“It’s been very positive and they are surprised that we could offer that for free,” she said.

Conolty said she loved working with the local community.

“I think there’s always a need for health care,” she said. “I like preventative types of health care, catching something before it leads to a bigger problem.”

Next time, Thompson thinks the health screenings should be in a larger venue. He envisions barbershop chairs set up in the mall.

“Free haircuts with your test,” he said.

The Community and Family Resources Department and the Active Living Coalition will also present free health screenings to the public May 18th at the B-Line trail.