In an innovative effort to bridge health education and community engagement, the Cumberland County Department of Public Health launched the Healthy Conversations program, enlisting local barbers and stylists as advocates for promoting preventive health behaviors. With $134,601 in funding approved by the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners for the 2023-24 fiscal year, this initiative has already had significant impact in its pilot year.
"Barbers and stylists are trusted community leaders who can have brief, meaningful conversations with their clients about critical health topics," said Tamra Morris, MPH, Deputy Health Director of the Cumberland County Health Department.
A Trusted Chair for Health Advocacy
Barbershops and salons have long served as hubs of community interaction, particularly in neighborhoods disproportionately affected by poor health outcomes. Recognizing this, Healthy Conversations trains barbers and stylists to discuss heart health, cancer prevention, and the importance of routine screenings. Participating barbershops include:
• McNeill's Barbershop and Beauty Salon
• Cumberland Awesome Barbershop
• Tru Blendz Barbershop
• Red Carpet Barbershop and Salon
• MM Grooming
• Kut-N-Kalypso, Inc.
Morris emphasized the unique role of barbers, noting, "Barbers in the Healthy Conversations program have become lay leaders and expanded community health advocacy in Cumberland. They can share information on risk factors, symptoms, and how to connect with healthcare providers in a relatable and trusted way."
Breaking Barriers Through Familiar Spaces
The program addresses common barriers to healthcare, including stigma and lack of awareness. By leveraging the casual and comfortable setting of a barbershop chair, conversations about health feel less intimidating.
"There are no expectations set in these discussions," Morris explained. "Clients can simply listen to what the barber shares. The barbers use easy-to-understand, accurate, and actionable information, often aided by educational materials and visual models."
Such approachable methods have led to tangible results, including clients scheduling preventive care appointments and discussing health with their families.”
Measurable Impact
The program's pilot year saw impressive results:
• Ten trained barbers facilitated over 2,000 health-related conversations.
• Prostate Cancer Awareness Month featured a panel discussion that highlighted the program's unique approach. This innovative method of using barbershops as platforms for health education is a refreshing take on community health initiatives. Campaigns such as Go Red for Heart Health and a Colorectal Awareness Month initiative encouraged clients to embrace wellness.
"Healthy Conversations was very successful in its first year," said Morris. "As we move into year two, we are expanding to train 20 barbers and anticipate an even greater impact on the health of the Cumberland community."
The Road Ahead
Building on its early successes, the program aims to broaden its reach and deepen its impact. Morris expressed gratitude for Commissioner Glenn Adams, whose advocacy has been instrumental in the program's success.
"This initiative allows for real connections and reliable linkage to care for clients in our local barber chairs," she said.
As the program gears up for 2025, the community looks forward to more barber-led advocacy efforts that promote preventive care and foster healthier lives in Cumberland County.
For more information about the Healthy Conversations program, contact Carlotta Winston, Public Health Educator II, at cwinston@cumberlandcountync.gov or 910-321-6440.
About Cumberland County Department of Public Health
Dedicated to enhancing the quality of life, the Cumberland County Department of Public Health offers comprehensive services to address the community's needs. Visit cumberlandcountync.gov/publichealth or call 910-433-3600 for details.