High blood pressure is one of the silent killers that gravely affects the Black community. Without proper screenings, death is almost inevitable. This is why Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare in Tennessee has partnered with several local barbershops to help save some lives in the community.
According to Fox 13 Memphis, the initiative to get people screened for the deadly condition has been met with some positive reactions from the barbershops participating in the program. The tests are free and can be found 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 chances of a heart attack and stroke.
“Heart disease disproportionately affects African-American males that typically don’t 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, agrees with the initiative’s purpose, allowing the program to take place at his shop.
“I just love cutting hair. You know, this is something I feel like I was born to do.”
Williamson’s passion for cutting hair started at the age of 12. He also knows that he can assist other people with their health issues. Knowing that people are always coming to the barbershop can help him help them stay and/or get 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.
The barbershop owner says that the blood pressure cuff will always have a place at his shop so it can be there to help others pay attention to their health and adopt healthier habits.
“I see it as being the beginning of something much bigger,” Williamson said. “Five, 10 years from now, who knows? Every barbershop may require, you know, to have blood pressure.”
Ross says that if a customer’s blood pressure is high, 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 outside the six barbershops currently participating in the weekly blood pressure screenings.
