News release from IPFW:
IPFW Students Raise Awareness Through Black Barbershop Health Initiative
(May 12, 2016) — Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW) has partnered with the Indiana Commission on the Social Status of Black Males (ICSSBM) and Parkview Community Nursing for the Indiana Black Barbershop Health Initiative. This statewide endeavor educates males—particularly African American males—about the importance of regular testing and disease prevention. In turn, IPFW students in NUR-41800, community/public health nursing, have an opportunity to interact with diversity in the community setting.
The goal is to educate African American males about risk factors associated with certain diseases. According to the Indiana State Department of Health, the major health risks for African American males are heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes.
“These students are raising awareness for the reluctant healthcare consumer,” says Denise Jordan, clinical assistant professor of nursing at IPFW, who also teaches NUR418, Community Public Health.
Recently 40 IPFW students participated in health screenings at 10 neighborhood barbershops in Fort Wayne. The setting helps make community members comfortable as the students, aided by an RN mentor, check blood sugar, blood pressure, and BMI and teach prostate cancer awareness.
“When these students come to Community Public Health Nursing, they’re used to being in a hospital at the bedside where they’re doing tasks,” explains Jordan. “This direct interaction with people—from individuals with preexisting health conditions to those who simply want to make better, more informed decisions about their healthcare—is a real opportunity to put clinical theory into practice.”
The Indiana Commission on the Social Status of Black Males is collaborating with the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus, the Indiana Minority Health Coalition and county coalition chapters, ABC Barber College, hospitals, health providers, and numerous community partners. More information and a complete list of participating locations are posted online at IN.gov/icssbm, or contact Denise Jordan at 260-481-0250 or jordand@ipfw.edu.
The Black Barbershop Health Initiative took place in 10 barbershops across Fort Wayne.
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