A Barbershop for Better Men’s Health: Zinfindale Smith and Reggie Winston on Breaking Down Barriers to Mental and Physical Wellness.

Zinfindale Smith, a longtime client of Reggie Winston, has learned the importance of seeing a doctor and asking questions while visiting Bar Ber Shop for years. The shop recently hosted a Men’s Health and Wellness fair, offering services like blood pressure screenings, STD screenings, and mental health check-ins.

Reggie Winston’s non-profit organization, Grooming Resources and Opportunities, along with other community partners are working to address physical and mental health disparities in Black and brown communities using the barbershop as a platform for intervention. Clinical Mental Health Counselor Dr. Rodney Harris pointed out that offering services like blood pressure screenings can also help address mental health concerns.

The barbershop setting provides a safe space for open and honest conversations, aiming to break down gender stereotypes and encourage men to share their feelings. Parents like Benetta Thai emphasized the importance of young boys feeling good about themselves through mental health support and getting a fresh haircut. The barbershop hopes to continue offering events like the Men’s Health and Wellness fair to promote positive health outcomes in the community.