Franciscan Health Michigan City to participate in 10th annual Indiana black barbershop health initiative

Event Information

Franciscan Health will provide free screenings and health information at three Michigan City barbershops on Saturday, April 30, as part of the Indiana Black Barbershop Health Initiative.

In 15 communities across Indiana on select Saturdays in April, Black-owned barbershops will host the initiative aimed at educating the public about chronic diseases and overall health. The Michigan City barbershops participating in the event from 9AM to 2PM are:

• Sharper’s Image, 5150 Franklin Street (Meijer)
• Marvelous Cuts, 4327 Franklin Street
• Platinum Designs, 1801 Franklin Street

“This marks the 10th year anniversary of the IBBHI and I am so excited that Franciscan Health Michigan City is the host this year. I am grateful for all the partners that are a part of such a great initiative for Michigan City,” said Franciscan Health Michigan City Community Health Improvement Coordinator Nila Williams.

According to the IBBHI, Black males have the highest mortality rate in the state of Indiana, which is believed to be in part due to the lack of trust for the healthcare system. Black-owned barbershops represent a cultural institution that cultivates an environment of trust. Screenings provided will include blood pressure, blood glucose and BMI.

“African-American males are our focus, but women can also be screened. We want to encourage them to get screened and always remember to see their primary care doctor regularly. The goal is to enlighten African-American men to better understand cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, health wellness through screening and education and the importance of prostate health,” Williams said.

Additional support for this event is provided by Minority Health Partners of LaPorte County, Inc., MDwise, HealthLinc, Life Changes, LLC, and the Michigan City Police Department. For more information, email Nila.Williams@franciscanalliance.org.