3 minute read
Heart Health Hubs
UNCW partnership with local barbershops aims to trim hypertension rates in underserved communities.
Barbershops in Wilmington are becoming more than just places for haircuts—they have evolved into hubs for health education and outreach.
A partnership between Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center, local barbershops and UNCW nursing faculty offers pop-up clinics in underserved communities. The program, established in 2017 by Novant Health and local barbers, provides multiple services to customers, including health screenings and physician referrals. Kevin Briggs, Novant Health senior director for laboratory and respiratory care services, health equity and inclusion, led the team that developed the program.
We knew that a big part of promoting equity in health was building stronger relationships in areas of our service area where there was opportunity. The partnership with local barbers, who serve as trusted guardians and resources for our community, was a great way to strengthen connections between our neighbors and all things health and wellness.
-Kevin Briggs
UNCW School of Nursing faculty Stephanie Turrise and Lisa Anne Bove joined the partnership in 2022 after receiving a $50,000 grant from the Rita and Alex Hillman Foundation. The grant-funded research project aimed to help reduce hypertension in African American and Hispanic/Latino American populations by tracking participants’ health information via an activity tracker. Later that year, Turrise received a $26,000 grant from the New Hanover Community Endowment to purchase blood pressure monitoring devices for people with a high blood pressure reading or a prior diagnosis of hypertension.
“We are meeting people where they are, where they live, work and play. This can alleviate the fear, trust and accessibility issues that sometimes hinder individuals from seeking care,” said Turrise. “It also helps us to build meaningful partnerships and reach people we may never engage with until they need acute care, improving health outcomes so that together we can sustain the health and well-being of residents.”
Cedron Emerson Sr. ’14, owner of Just Cut It, saw the partnership as a way to give back to his community. “I saw this as an opportunity for my clients to have access to services and information,” he said. “They are getting valuable information that has made them more aware about their health. Even the barbers in my shop have taken advantage of the program. Hopefully, we can continue."
-BY VENITA JENKINS '24M
