Evie's Desk: Unusual OutreachMay 9, 2008 |
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 Part of First 5 LA's mission is to help parents change their behavior for the better. But as many of you know, this is not an easy task. Influencing people to change their lives for the better can sometimes seem like an uphill battle. That is why I was inspired by a story I read the other day about a unique public health initiative that started right here in Los Angeles and has been shown to be effective. The Black Barbershop Health Outreach program was created to convey life-saving messages about diabetes and hypertension to African-American men at an unlikely venue — where they go to get a haircut. Launched by the Diabetic Amputation Program the program model was piloted in 23 Barbershops in the heart of Los Angeles, from Watt's to Wilshire, throughout 2007. Barbers were educated on the importance of diabetes and hypertension screening and were trained on ways to speak to their clients on ways to stay healthy. Nearly 500 African-American men were screened by trained professionals for diabetes and hypertension, right in the barbershop. For many, it was the first time they had been screened and many received a diagnosis on the spot. Some men were rushed to the hospital because the test results showed their health conditions were life-threatening. This example of thinking outside the box, reaching people in natural gathering places with important information, is something I encourage all First 5 LA grantees to try. I am excited to see that this life-saving barbershop outreach is making an impact in the African-American community, and will be expanding throughout the state and the nation. Evelyn V. Martinez
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