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On a recent Saturday, the scene at Freshly Faded Barber + Shop in North Park was lively yet relaxed. Customers weren’t just getting fancy haircuts and fades, they were also getting quick health checks.
Historically, barbershops have been more than just places to get haircuts, they have also been sanctuaries for black men. Now, a partnership between medical students at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine and local barbershops is leveraging this cultural tradition to bring health awareness to patrons and the broader community.
As part of a student-led program called “Fade Hypertension,” a group of students conducts free blood pressure tests each month and shares information about preventive care at local barbershops. It aims to address health disparities, especially among Black communities.
This issue is close to home for Tariq Woods, a first-year medical student and co-director of the program. Several people in his family have experienced heart attacks and strokes.
“We know that there are a lot of very serious health disparities with high blood pressure in the Black community. So being able to go out and meet people where they are is the most impactful way to raise awareness. “It helps us do that,” Woods said.
High blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease, which affects three out of four Black adults by middle age. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for Black residents in San Diego County.
Customer Arthur Allen took his nephews to Freshly Fade for haircuts and also had their blood pressure checked. He grew up going to barbershops, which he believes is a safe place to talk to Black men about health.
“It’s very disarming. People may not have had a blood test in years. They may be embarrassed. They may feel that way on the spot. But at least they are taking their first steps,” Allen said.
Student volunteers said they hope this familiar environment will help clients use what they learn through blood pressure testing to receive preventive care.
Barber shop owner Derrick Banks uses his shop as a sanctuary for community support. Partnering with Fade Hypertension is his way of helping change the way Black people think about health.
“We have to reprogram ourselves and take away the stigma of doctors, how scary they are,” Banks said. “So when you see them come into the barbershop in their street clothes and tell jokes and take your blood pressure, I think that helps humanize that aspect of being a doctor. . And it’s really great to see medical students and especially people of color doing it.”
According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, only about 5.7% of U.S. physicians identify as black.
The program also encourages Black undergraduates and students of color to pursue careers in medicine through mentoring and outreach efforts, addressing the shortage of health care professionals from underrepresented backgrounds. will help you.
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