Outreach Program

Black barbershops and salons are more than places for grooming—they are trusted community anchors where authentic conversations, cultural connections, and informal support naturally occur. These spaces offer unique opportunities to engage in meaningful discussions about health and wellness in a familiar and trusted environment.

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Leveraging this cultural relevance, the Colorado Black Health Collaborative’s BBSHOP program launched in 2012 to help address cardiovascular disease by providing blood pressure screenings, resources, education, and referrals to clients. CBHC volunteers primarily screen for high blood pressure using automated cuffs, and about 20% of those screened have stage 2 or higher blood pressure.   

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Our goal is to educate operators and clients by emphasizing that hypertension or high blood pressure is a highly treatable condition, but it can also be a silent killer. Our recommendations usually include lifestyle modifications and consistent medication adherence if they are prescribed medications, empowering residents to actively participate in managing their high blood pressure. 

If high blood pressure is observed, our team refers clients to a healthcare provider or clinic. If clients lack a healthcare provider, the CBHC provides information on private doctors, nurse practitioners, or clinics. Often, clients are searching for a Black healthcare provider, and we utilize our Black Health Resource Directory to provide culturally sensitive recommendations.