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Commission says Black Barbershop Health Initiative drew 100+; assigns research on new host shops
Summary
The commission debriefed the 2025 Indiana Black Barbershop Health Initiative, reported at least 100 registrations, and asked Commissioner Phipps to compile a list of potential host barbershops for future events.
The Social Status of African American Males Commission in Evansville debriefed its 2025 Indiana Black Barbershop Health Initiative on April 24, 2025, and directed Commissioner Phipps to research and report back on targeted barbershops that could host future screenings and outreach.
Commissioner Taylor said the initiative recorded at least 100 participants and that an official tally would follow: "we will, I believe that we at least did over a 100," she said. Diane (staff member) and other commissioners said Diane’s email indicated about 120 registrations while staff continued to finalize the dataset.
Commissioners described mixed experiences at host locations. Commissioner Burris and others said pickup and logistics worked broadly: several tables and chairs were delivered Friday and collected after the event; Commissioner Phipps reported picking up six of seven tables. Commissioners noted strong turnout at some shops (Fila's and Dapper Man were cited) and lower traffic at others, and discussed whether rotating host shops would reach more of their target population: adult African American men.
Commissioners emphasized that the initiative combines screenings (blood pressure checks and health conversations) with community engagement. Commissioner Moore suggested follow-up outreach to participating barbershops — not to collect protected health information but to increase awareness of the commission and recruit new volunteer support for future events.
After discussion, commissioners asked Commissioner Phipps to compile and share a list of target and past participating barbershops and to provide recommended hosts and screening counts. Commissioner Phipps said he would have that information available within a week. Other commissioners recommended allowing more time (about eight weeks) to gather comprehensive data before making final site selections.
Clarifying details: Diane’s email was cited as reporting about 120 registrations for the event; Commissioner Phipps said he collected six of seven pickup tables; commissioners reported some sites were unable to collect parental consent for youth, limiting some screenings.
The commission did not adopt a formal policy change at the meeting; it assigned research and outreach tasks to produce a recommendation at a later date.
