African American men suffer disproportionately from preventable diseases and have the lowest life expectancy than any other ethnic group. The Crisis of the African American Male is further complicated by ongoing health care disparities. Early detection and intervention are necessary to address this growing trend.
The Diabetic Amputation Prevention Foundation has launched The Black Barbershop Outreach Program to address the at-risk African American male population throughout the country for cardiovascular disease . Black owned barbershops represent a cultural institution that regularly attracts large numbers of black men and provides an environment of trust and an avenue to disseminate health education information .During The Black Barbershop Program volunteers will measure blood pressures and screen for diabetes. Customers with abnormal findings will be referred to participating physicians or health care facilities.
