Community Engagement

Barbershop Initiative

Background & Significance

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a chronic condition affecting the heart and is the leading cause of poor health and shortened life expectancy in the United States which African American communities are uniquely affected. In the African American population, serious complications from all forms of heart disease are 23% higher than white Americans. The American Heart Association reported that the rate of blood pressure control was lower among non-Hispanic blacks, with 27.4% experiencing uncontrolled blood pressure, compared to non-Hispanic whites at 17.0% and Mexican Americans at 20.2%. To address barriers for preventative care, IU Health is launching the Barbershop 2.0 initiative aimed at providing free, comprehensive heart health screening for barbershop patrons.

IU Health Barbershop 2.0 Program:

The IU Health Barbershop 2.0 program builds on previous barbershop-based, health education and screening programs nationwide and across Indiana. Patrons at participating barbershops will have the opportunity to receive free blood pressure checks, cholesterol testing, diabetes screening and social needs support provided by IU Health professionals. Patrons with significantly elevated blood pressure will also have the opportunity to access free virtual health consultations with IU Health providers to support urgent hypertension needs.

To ensure more initiatives like IU Health’s Barbershop 2.0 program take place in high-risk communities, the team will also offer patrons the option to participate in an evaluation that will assess how impactful medical outreach and support in barbershops can improve cardiovascular health. Patrons who choose to participate in the evaluation will receive incentives and health check-in between visits to understand their progress to their blood pressure goals.

Food Pantries & Other Locations

Background & Significance

Food pantries play a critical role in improving overall health outcomes in a myriad of ways. Approximately 27% of iHEART resident live in a food desert, which is defined as living further than one mile from a grocery store. In this instance, residents are often forced to rely on fast-food or convenience stores, which lead to unhealthy food choices. While these cheap foods provide an easy way to feed your family on a limited budget, they are often processed and high in calories, which exacerbate diet-related health conditions.

In addition, anyone who has been grocery shopping recently has noticed a drastic increase in their grocery bill. For the most vulnerable among us, this might mean choosing between buying nutritious meals or paying your bills. And contrary to what most had hoped, the demand for food pantries has not decreased to pre-pandemic levels.

Last, but not least, food pantries serve as entry points for connecting individuals and families to additional Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) resources. Through partnerships with health organizations, social service agencies, and community-based organizations, food pantries link people to services like healthcare, housing assistance, employment resources, and mental health support. This holistic approach addresses both immediate needs and underlying factors contributing to food insecurity, fostering stronger, healthier communities.

Featured Events

Learn how to manage your Blood Pressure

  • 1. Control Your Blood Pressure

    The first step in controlling blood pressure is knowing your numbers. High blood pressure can be a symptomless condition. Understanding your risk for heart attack or stroke can help you set your health goals. Visit the Check. Change. Control. Calculator to learn your risk. With  proper treatment and management, you can control your blood pressure. Healthy choices, such as eating a balanced diet, managing stress, and regular physical activity, are a great place to start. Your family history provides a picture of how high blood pressure may develop and affect your health. Learn how family history might put some at risk for high blood pressure. Learn about medications that can help lower and manage blood pressure.

  • 2. Eating Smart and Reducing Sodium

    Did you know most Americans eat more than twice the recommended amount of sodium? Chances are, that includes you – even if you rarely add salt to your meals. Reducing your sodium intake can lower your systolic blood pressure (top number) by 5-6 points. Salt can sneak up on us when we eat restaurant or packaged foods. Check out this one-minute video to see for yourself: Sneaky Salt Video. Call to Action: Learn how to cut back on sodium and take the pledge! For more information, be sure to check out the AHA’s eat smart resources. A healthy, low sodium diet is something you can control to help prevent and manage high blood pressure. Call to Action: Your challenge this week is to swap your normal snack foods for healthy snacks such as fresh fruits and vegetables. Some convenient options include sliced apples, cutie oranges, carrots, and celery sticks. Eating 2 to 2½ cups (4 to 5 servings) each of fruit and vegetables every day as part of an overall healthy diet pattern may reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke. Even an additional ½ cup (one serving) of fruit and vegetables a day can make a difference in your health — a powerful step toward a healthier, longer life.

  • 3. Move More

    Every day is a new opportunity to make healthy choices! Along with a healthy diet, being physically active is another way to fight heart disease. Lack of physical activity doubles the risk of heart disease. So, let’s get moving! Call to Action: Set aside time to move this week. Walking during breaks or lunch is a great way to get started. For more information, be sure to check out the AHA’s move more resources. Check out the American Heart Association’s recommendations for physical activity and getting active. Don’t forget to keep building your healthy habits. Learn about possible health consequences over time when high blood pressure is left untreated such as: Stroke, Kidney Damage, Vision Loss, Angina, and Peripheral artery disease. When Blood Pressure readings rise to 180 or above for the systolic (top) number OR 120 or above for the diastolic (bottom) number, call your doctor immediately.

  • 4. Mental Health and Well-Being

    Mental health helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Many forms of mental health issues can affect our hearts. Call to Action: Reflect on what’s causing you stress or anxiety and share with a friend or loved one. Don’t hesitate to reach out for professional mental health support if needed. Need a place to connect with others? Consider joining the American Heart Association’s Support Network. You can share your story with others and connect with people experiencing similar heart-health conditions. For more information, be sure to check out the AHA’s be well resources. We all have stress. Sometimes we can feel especially stressed because of a bad interaction with someone, too much work, or everyday hassles such as getting stuck in traffic. Negative stress can keep you from feeling and performing your best — mentally, physically, and emotionally. But no one’s life is completely stress-free. It’s important to know how to manage the stress in your life. Learn helpful tips to manage stress. Call to Action: Take 5 to 10 minutes of your day to do something you enjoy. Read a book, take a walk outside, meet a friend for lunch, or even sing aloud your favorite song.