The Kent – Shore Community Outreach Team (SCOT) conducted a blood pressure screening event hosted by Big Mixx’s Beautiful Beginnings, Unisex Salon in Chestertown, Md., on Friday August 8, 2024. At the event, SCOT provided free blood pressure screenings and blood pressure education, handed out free blood pressure cuffs and heart health packets. Community Health Advocates Amanda Webster and Serenity Kelly registered and screened 21 participants.
“We were well received by the patrons and staff, and we had a great time connecting with everyone,” said Webster.
Jamie “Mixx” Barrett, salon owner and community advocate invited SCOT to set up the screening after joining the African American Health Advisory Committee. The AAHAC, which meets monthly at UM Shore Medical Center at Chestertown, develops health-related programming for African American community members in Kent County.
“The screening at Beautiful Beginnings was a great way for black men who normally wouldn’t go to the hospital to get checked out. A lot of the guys appreciated the information and blood pressure monitors,” said Barrett.
“It was a fun evening, meeting the salon patrons and getting to know our community,” said Kelly. “I look forward a return visit to Big Mixx’s to do diabetes screenings and Hemoglobin A1C tests in the near future.”