Codman Square Health Center will launch a month-long “Barber Shops & Blood Pressure” tour this week, offering free screenings at neighborhood barber shops in Dorchester and Randolph.
The program begins on Thursday (Aug. 6) from 3 to 6 p.m. at Cut to Fit Barber Shop, 19 Norfolk St. An official kickoff will follow on Fri., from 3 to 6 p.m. at Unique Cuts, 2251 Dorchester Ave. in Lower Mills.
Health care professionals from Codman will provide blood pressure checks, answer questions, and connect participants with primary care and follow-up services when needed. The screenings are free, require no appointment, and are open to everyone.
Health center officials said the initiative is aimed at communities where hypertension rates are significantly higher than the citywide average. About one-quarter of Boston adults have diagnosed hypertension, according to Codman, compared with 32 to 35 percent of adults in Dorchester and 40 percent in Mattapan.
Additional screenings are scheduled for Aug. 14 at Cut to Fit; Aug. 22 and Aug. 27 at Digg Thiss Barber Shop, 7 Pleasant St. in Randolph; and Aug. 28 at Unique Cuts.
Codman officials said barber shops are trusted community gathering places that can help reach residents—particularly Black men—who may be less likely to receive routine preventive care. Participants will receive their blood pressure reading, information on maintaining healthy levels, and referrals when appropriate.
–REPORTER STAFF
