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Evansville barbershop health initiative set for April 12; commission adds youth-mentorship push and volunteer recruitment
Summary
United Neighborhoods commissioners discussed the Indiana Black Barbershop Health Initiative on April 12, confirmed basic health screenings and volunteer needs, and agreed to add mentors at each participating barbershop and pursue partnerships with YMCA and Boys & Girls Club.
The United Neighborhoods Commission discussed the Indiana Black Barbershop Health Initiative scheduled for April 12, confirming it will provide basic health screenings and that organizers are recruiting volunteers, medical students and mentors for each participating barbershop.
Commissioner Jeremy Taylor, chairperson, said the event is “a fun event” and “a great time to get out” and described it as an evolving, longstanding community service, noting, “this is the thirteenth year.” The commission discussed logistics including volunteer registration, lunch and T-shirts for volunteers.
The commission agreed to expand the initiative’s role in youth outreach by placing mentors in each barbershop. Commissioner Collins said, “We will have a mentor in each 1 of those barbershops.” Commissioners said mentors would talk with youth during the event and discussed building ongoing relationships beyond the single-day screenings.
Organizers told the commission the planned screenings will include blood pressure, glucose and weight checks and that Miss Harland is coordinating supplies and contacting medical professionals and medical students to staff screening stations. Commissioner Taylor said community partners will be available to accept referrals when screenings indicate further care is needed.
Commissioners discussed partnering organizations: Commissioner Randall reported the YMCA is “100% on board” to partner on youth-focused aspects, and Taylor said the commission could also invite the Boys & Girls Club to participate. Commissioners encouraged members who had not yet registered to sign up so organizers can account for lunch and shirts and assign volunteers to barbershops.
No formal vote was recorded on the initiative during the meeting. Commissioners framed the item as an operating and outreach priority for the coming months and asked staff to continue logistical planning and volunteer coordination.
The initiative and related outreach were discussed as part of the commission’s FY2025 priorities and community-engagement work.
