Barber Beautician Led Blood Pressure Reduction Program
Our Trim the Pressure initiative is a Barber Beautician Led Blood Pressure Reduction Program.
WHAT IS THIS:
SERT Model for Barbershop Outreach
The SERT model stands for Screen, Educate, Refer, and Track. It is a framework used in
healthcare settings to address various health issues, including hypertension.
AIM:
This grassroots intervention aims to screen, educate, refer, and track (SERT) patrons in barber
and beauty shops on HSD in the metro Detroit area for needed care related to hypertension. To
do so, members of a team of volunteer Barbers and Beauticians will develop and evaluate
appropriate educational material to educate the African American community about
hypertension.
GOAL:
The goal is to address knowledge gaps and access to healthcare in the community by
screening for hypertension, providing educational sessions on the importance of controlling high
blood pressure, and providing an easy-access referral system for follow-up blood pressure
monitoring.
New Blood Pressure Guidelines
b. The prevalence of HTN in Blacks is among the highest in the world, exceeding other racial/ethnic groups. In Blacks, high blood pressure (BP) is pervasive where a greater percentage of Black women (46%) have Stage 2 HTN (BP ≥ 140/90) than Black men (42%), while more Black men (59%) tend to have higher rates of Stage 1 HTN (BP ≥ 130/80) than Black women (56%).
c. The previous standard of 140/90 mmHg was revised to 130/80 mmHg as the new normal blood pressure range.
d. As a result of this change, 59% of African-American men and 47% of white men are now classified as having hypertension 1.
e. These new guidelines serve as a call to action for everyone, especially men.
f. Men and women are encouraged to monitor their blood pressure and take necessary steps to maintain it within the recommended range.
g. Given that heart disease remains the leading cause of death for African American women and men in the United States, addressing hypertension is crucial.