How Cultural Competence Can Transform Black Community Health
What we can learn from the LA barbershop blood pressure study!
As I often do when researching healthcare topics, I scrolled the interwebs and stumbled upon an intriguing study: the Cedars-Sinai Los Angeles Barbershop Blood Pressure Study. This innovative project involved pharmacists collaborating with Black barbers to manage chronic diseases and provide education directly in barbershops.
What caught my attention wasn’t just the setting but the results: the patients who worked with the pharmacists saw a significant reduction in blood pressure over 12 months compared to those referred to their primary care providers.
This got me thinking about how culturally competent approaches can address health disparities faced by Black Americans. Growing up, barbershops and beauty shops were integral to Black communities. I spent many years accompanying my grandma to the beauty shop and my dad to the barbershop. I wonder how my grandparents’ and parents’ lives might have differed if healthcare had been accessible in these spaces.
Three Strategies for Developing a Culturally Competence Practice
The lessons from this study are invaluable, especially for healthcare providers aiming to deliver equitable care. Here are three strategies for changing your practice’s cultural competence to make a meaningful impact.
1. Recognize That Health Disparities Are Not Your Patients' Fault
One critical insight from the study is the deep-rooted mistrust of the healthcare system among Black communities stemming from systemic racism and exploitation. By bringing healthcare to a trusted space—the barbershop—pharmacists bridged this gap. For healthcare providers, acknowledging this mistrust is the first step toward building authentic relationships.
Imagine implementing a similar model for Black women in spaces they frequent, such as churches, sorority meetings, or fitness groups. These environments foster trust and comfort, which allows providers to address healthcare concerns. Through awareness and proactive engagement, providers can ensure that Black women receive the care they deserve.
2. Partner With Trusted Community Leaders
The barbershop study succeeded because of the barbers' buy-in. These individuals are community pillars, so collaborating with trusted leaders—whether pastors, sorority alums, or local advocates—is vital for healthcare providers.
However, this partnership requires careful consideration. Leaders must genuinely represent and resonate with the community’s values. Engaging with the wrong representatives can inadvertently harm your efforts, reinforcing mistrust rather than alleviating it. Therefore, whoever you work with, ensure you build relationships based on mutual respect and shared goals.
3. Adapt to Evolving Community Dynamics
The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped how communities gather and interact. For instance, barbershops—once bustling hubs—now often require appointments or operate differently. Many businesses central to Black communities have closed permanently, altering traditional gathering spaces.
Flexibility is crucial for healthcare providers. Consider alternative venues like virtual platforms, community centers, or pop-up clinics. You can effectively meet the community’s needs by staying attuned to these shifts. Moreover, remaining adaptable ensures your efforts stay relevant and impactful in an ever-changing landscape.
The LA barbershop study offers a powerful blueprint for culturally competent care. By addressing systemic mistrust, partnering with community leaders, and adapting to real-world changes, healthcare providers can deliver more equitable and effective care. Although this particular study focused exclusively on Black men, high blood pressure also disproportionately impacts Black women. Therefore, future research should focus on utilizing this model to enhance the health of Black women, too.
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Together, let’s make a difference!
x Tomesha