The American Heart Association (AHA) is testing a new initiative that combines hair salon visits with blood-pressure screenings. This pilot program began last month at Another Level Barbering and Cosmetology School in Petersburg, a move expected to lead to more participating businesses.
The program introduces blood-pressure monitoring units at salons and barber shops to make it easier for individuals to monitor their heart health. At Another Level, a public salon operated by students, clients can receive a blood-pressure check while getting their hair styled.
Under this program, hair stylists will offer blood-pressure checks during appointments. Salon staff will be trained by the AHA to perform these checks. If a client’s reading is high, they will have access to resources on-site to help schedule a doctor’s visit.
The AHA chose hair salons and barbershops for this initiative because these locations often serve as community hubs, fostering trust between clients and stylists. The organization believes that these familiar settings are less intimidating than medical offices and can effectively promote heart health.
“We’re meeting people where they are. Barber shops and hair salons build a significant level of trust with their clients,” said Robin Gahan, AHA’s vice president of community impact in central Virginia.
The blood-pressure machines used in the program are described as intermediate between home units and the larger machines found in pharmacies and medical settings. Gahan referred to them as “nurse on a stick” devices, highlighting their suitability for the larger space of the cosmetology school.
The AHA chose Petersburg for the program’s launch due to the high prevalence of elevated blood pressure in the area. The goal is to place monitoring equipment in 10 locations within the first year and expand to at least 25 locations in the second year, focusing on Petersburg, Hopewell, and Richmond.
Gahan anticipates varying equipment options at different locations, with the cost for training and equipment estimated between $1,000 and $3,000 per site. Follow-up training sessions will also be provided.
The AHA worked with Central Virginia Health Services, Crater Health District, and Aetna Better Health of Virginia to roll out the program. Similar initiatives have been introduced by other AHA branches across the country.
Another Level was chosen for the pilot because its students are likely to spread their skills to other salons in the region, extending the program’s reach.
“This program has the potential to make a significant impact as these stylists move to other locations,” Gahan noted.
In addition to this new program, the AHA has previously introduced blood-pressure monitoring stations at Richmond libraries and has also launched equipment check-out programs in Richmond and Petersburg libraries earlier this year.