Episcopal Health Services Partners With Local Barbers for Men’s Health Month

Far Rockaway, New York, July 19, 2024 — Episcopal Health Services (EHS) collaborated with barber shops on the Rockaway Peninsula to provide blood pressure and A1C screenings, along with other resources to men throughout Men’s Health Month in June.

“We understand that men, in general, don’t always prioritize their health, so the idea was to speak to men in places that they visit and turn our local barbers into advocates through the sharing of information,” said Dr. Donald T. Morrish, MD, MMM, Chief Executive Officer, EHS.

Six barber shops on the Rockaway Peninsula invited EHS’ Population Health team members to set up health screenings at their establishments. Ten additional barber shops distributed information about the primary care services offered by St. John’s Medical Group and age-related health screens that men should consider.

“Male customers who exhibited signs of high blood pressure were asked by our team members to return 15-20 minutes later for a follow-up screening,” said Preet Kukreja, Director Population Health. “If their blood pressure remained high, they were urged to contact their primary care physician or visit the Patient Express Center at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital.”

Representatives from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, who partnered with EHS on this initiative, provided free blood pressure machines to any male customers with high blood pressure.

“We couldn’t have done this without the barbers,” said Kukreja. “Not only did they share the importance of healthcare with their customers, but they also encouraged participation in the screenings and led by example by getting screened themselves.”