This is my life’s assignment

Dr. Bill Releford, Black Barbershop Health Outreach Program Founder

Black barbershop founder

The Black Barbershop
Health Outreach Program.

The Black Barbershop Health Outreach Program is a groundbreaking initiative that's revolutionizing health care for Black men across America. Founded in 2007 by Dr. Bill Releford, a podiatrist with a vision for community health, this program brings critical health services and preventative care to Black men where they already are - their barbershops.

The program addresses the critical need to reduce the prevalence of preventable diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease among Black men. These conditions disproportionately affect our community, and the program offers a powerful and incredibly effective solution.

What Makes the Black Barbershop Health Outreach Program Exceptional:

1
It transforms barbershops into healthcare hubs. These trusted community spaces become sites for free health screenings, breaking down barriers to care.
2
Barbers become health advocates. The program trains these community messengers to educate clients about health, leveraging their trusted relationships to encourage preventive care.
3
Professional volunteers provide on-site screenings. Black healthcare professionals offer blood pressure checks, diabetes tests, and more, privately and 1:1, in a familiar space that feels safe.
4
It's about education and action. Beyond screenings, the program emphasizes health awareness, nutrition, and exercise, empowering men with knowledge to take charge of their health.
5
The impact is substantial. Since its inception, over 30,000 Black men have been screened nationwide, making it the largest health outreach effort of its kind for Black men in the U.S.
the Black barbershop

The Black Barbershop Health Outreach Program isn't just changing statistics

It's changing lives. By meeting Black men where they are, we’re building a culture of health and prevention in our communities. This compassionate approach proves that with creativity, commitment, and community engagement, we can even the playing field and eliminate health disparities that have plagued our communities for too long.

This program stands as a testament to what's possible when we combine medical expertise with cultural understanding. It's more than healthcare - it's a movement for health equity, one barbershop at a time

Dr. Bill Releford

Founder

Dr. Bill Releford stands as a model of hope and activism in the fight against health disparities in Black communities. A distinguished podiatrist specializing in diabetic limb salvage, Dr. Releford recognized a critical need and took bold steps to address it. In 2007, he founded the Black Barbershop Health Outreach Program, an innovative initiative that brought preventative health screenings directly to Black-owned barbershops nationwide.

Founder
Founder

Dr. Releford's leadership in this program exemplifies his commitment to addressing the root causes of health inequities. He's proving that with vision and dedication, we can create powerful, community-centered solutions to our most pressing health challenges. Dr. Releford's work goes beyond the walls of his clinics and traditional healthcare boundaries. Through his innovative approach, Dr. Releford is not only saving lives, but also empowering communities, reshaping healthcare delivery, and paving the way for a more equitable and healthier future for all.

Come through. Get Involved

Let’s create generational health. We’ve got work to do and room at the table for everyone to get involved.