Barbershop health initiative to report results

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - African-American leaders will gather in Minneapolis on Monday evening to hear results from a 3-year initiative aimed at improving the health of African-American men in the Twin Cities. It's called Barbershop Conversations.

1 of the goals has been to increase support for organ and tissue donation. Organizers say African-Americans are less likely than men from other groups to designate themselves as donors. But they're at increased risk for organ failure because they're more prone to serious health conditions such as such as diabetes, hypertension and obesity.

To get the word out, 26 barbers in African-American communities across the Twin Cities were recruited three years ago so they could convey the information to their clients. Thus the name Barbershop Conversations.

The initiative was led by LifeSource, which promotes organ donation.

Celebrating Barbershop Conversations

For the past three years LifeSource, Q Health Services and the University of Minnesota have been working with African American Barbers in the Twin Cities to improve health and share the life-saving message of organ donation.

Leaders from the community will gather at a celebratory dinner to share the key findings of this community-based education project.  The public is invited and encouraged to attend.

View the invitation

Monday, February 21, 20115:00 – 7:00 pm

Urban Research and Outreach/Engagement Center (UROC)2001 Plymouth Avenue North
Minneapolis, MN 55411

(Two blocks east of the intersection of North Penn Avenue and Plymouth Avenue North. Free parking available in lot in front of building)