In an effort to heighten awareness and to obliterate the many health disparities affecting African American males, Los Angeles health advocates hosted the first annual Los Angeles Black Barbershop Health Outreach Program. Twenty-two black-owned barbershops across the city participated in the event which took place on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2007. The program was a huge success and established health stations manned with medical professionals in each of the participating barbershops, to conduct on-site screening for diabetes and hypertension. The founder of The Diabetic Amputation Prevention Foundation, Dr. Bill Releford Jr., and KJLH 102.3 FM’s staff members encouraged communities across the nation to adopt similar programs. Thanks to all of those involved, black males in the Los Angeles area are on a healthier track. -jason thomspon

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