Take the Pressure Off, NYC!

This program will be patterned after barbershop-based blood pressure programs that have demonstrated efficacy in achieving lower blood pressure and improved hypertension control rates among Black men with high blood pressure. This program will reach 10-12 barbershops per year, working with 2-3 barbershops each quarter. Briefly, a trained barbershop navigator will work with each barbershop t o measure blood pressure on each adult customer who agrees, and to provide culturally-targeted education about high blood pressure and its consequences, and motivational interviewing-informed counseling about therapeutic lifestyle changes. For customers found to have high blood pressure, the navigator will also provide referral and navigation to a medical provider and, as appropriate, a local pharmacy. At all recruitment events, all study team members and potential participants must wear masks and practice social distancing when appropriate. Participants who do not have face masks should be offered masks for continued outreach participation. Study team members will also wear gloves and have hand sanitizer visible. When available, staff should wash hands frequently with soap and water. If this option is not available, staff should frequently use hand sanitizer.

Inclusion criteria

• Participants must be age 18 years or older
• Self-identified as a black or African American male
• Have uncontrolled hypertension defined as SBP>135 mmHg or DBP>85 mmHg and SBP >130 mmHg or DBP >80 mmHg (in those with diabetes) at the screening

Exclusion criteria

• Under the age of 18
• Does not consent to participate