In an effort to reduce the disproportionate prevalence of kidney failure among African Americans, a community health campaign was piloted in Detroit, Michigan between June and December 1999. "Healthy Hair Starts with a Healthy Body" reached over 900 African American female clients in this pilot phase through the use of specially trained hair stylists in 18 salons. Salon clients were advised of their risks, provided a diabetes risk survey or blood pressure check, and offered incentives and referrals in order to motivate a health behavior or health care-seeking improvement. Clients' initial intentions to adopt a health behavior change were recorded on a "Salon Record Form" maintained by the stylist; subsequent indications of success in sustaining the behavior were added to the form at the client's next visit. 37.5% of clients reached in this phase indicated they took action in improving their health; another 21.5% made a plan to. 42.5% visited a physician or discussed their risks with a physician at an already-scheduled visit. Methods used in developing, marketing, sustaining and evaluating this program will be outlined.
Learning Objectives: The participant will be able to discuss the techniques used in the development, marketing, administration and evaluation of an urban hair salon-based health education program. The participant will be able to describe tools used in the salon education program, including educational brochures and posters, data-gathering surveys, and hair stylist recruitment materials
Keywords: Community Health Programs, Women's Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.