Healthy Conversations Trains Barber, Stylist Health Advocates
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – The Cumberland County Department of Public Health’s Healthy Conversations program promotes health education by training barbers and stylists to be advocates who can influence positive health behaviors in communities disproportionately affected by unhealthy outcomes.
Healthy Conversations was approved by the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners as part of the 2023-24 Fiscal Budget. Commissioners approved $134,601 for the initiative. Public Health Director Dr. Jennifer Green gave commissioners a presentation in August 2023 during an Agenda Session.
“There is often a trusting relationship between an individual and the person who cuts and styles hair. We’re grateful for the barbers and stylists who were willing to partner with us for this program,” said Public Health Director Dr. Jennifer Green. “We know they have trusting relationships with their clients that are important to encouraging healthy behaviors and improving health outcomes.”
“Healthy Conversations was proposed to address preventable deaths that disproportionately impact Cumberland County residents. Healthy Conversations will address prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, heart disease and contributing factors such as hypertension, tobacco use, healthy eating and physical activity,” said Glenn Adams, Chairman of the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners. “I would also like to give a shout out to the PBS program NC Impact, hosted by Anita Brown-Graham, for their presentation on this program from Halifax County, which spurred us to bring this to Cumberland County. I believe this will be a game changer for health outcomes in our community.”
Barbers and stylists have received training to have brief impactful conversations with their clients about their health including getting age-appropriate screenings for cancer. Barbers and stylists have received blood pressure monitors to allow their clients to monitor their blood pressure and encourage healthy behaviors. The following barbers and stylists receive funding:
- McNeill’s Barbershop and Beauty Salon
- Cumberland Awesome Barbershop
- Red Carpet Barbershop and Salon
- Tru Blendz Barbershop
- MM Grooming
- Kut-N-Kalypso, Inc.
- M&Q Hair Restoration Clinic
- Hairlooms Hair and Braiding Academy
- DJ Clipz at Balla World
- HassaniJ Cutz
Members of the media who wish to create stories featuring Healthy Conversations may contact Cumberland County Public Health Educator II Carlotta Winston at cwinston@cumberlandcountync.gov or 910-321-6440. For more information about the Cumberland County Department of Public Health, go to cumberlandcountync.gov/publichealth.