October 23rd 2023.
High blood pressure is an insidious killer that disproportionately affects the Black community. Without proper screenings, death is often unavoidable. That's why Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare in Tennessee has launched an initiative to save lives in the community by partnering with local barbershops.
According to Fox 13 Memphis, the initiative has been met with enthusiasm from the barbershops taking part in the program. The blood pressure tests are available for free in Memphis and Shelby County. Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare has confirmed that heart disease is the leading cause of death in Shelby and DeSoto counties. High blood pressure increases the risk of a stroke or heart attack.
“Heart disease disproportionately affects African-American males who don't often interact with the healthcare field,” said Marcus Ross, the director of community engagement at Methodist. “So, we felt like this program would be very influential.”
Jurek Williamson, the owner of Kings Temple Barbershop, understands the importance of the initiative and has welcomed it into his shop.
“I just love cutting hair. You know, this is something I feel like I was born to do,” he said. Williamson’s passion for cutting hair started at the age of 12, and he is now using his barbershop to help people stay healthy.
“People are more comfortable in the barbershop sometimes because, you know, especially for me, it’s kind of like a men’s hospital,” Williamson said. He plans to keep the blood pressure cuff in his shop so he can assist others with their health issues.
“I see it as being the beginning of something much bigger,” Williamson said. “Five, 10 years from now, who knows? Every barbershop may require a blood pressure cuff.”
Ross explains that if customers have high blood pressure, barbershop workers can inform them of the risks and advise them on how to control it.
“They are given their numbers and also told to follow up with their primary care physician,” Ross said. “And if they don’t have one, they will be referred to one.”
Methodist hopes to expand the program beyond the six barbershops currently participating in the weekly blood pressure screenings. Through these efforts, they are helping to save lives and make a positive impact on the Black community.
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