Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center will host its annual “Barbershop Bash” event on Aug. 22 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Webb’s Barbershop (401 Eddie Robinson Sr. Drive) in Baton Rouge. This free community screening event will offer screenings for prostate and colorectal cancer as well as other health vendors and educational resources. There will also be free food, music, and door prizes.
While appointments are encouraged, walk-ins are welcome. To make an appointment, call (225) 425-8034 or visit marybird.org/barbershopbash.
“We’re proud to once again partner with Webb’s Barbershop to bring these life-saving cancer screenings directly into the community,” said Sharneitha Bradford, regional director of Prevention on the Go for Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. “Early detection saves lives, and these free screenings provide an opportunity for people to catch cancer sooner, when treatment is often most effective. We hope everyone will take advantage of this important event.”
Mary Bird Perkins is hosting this Barbershop Bash to raise awareness of the dangers of prostate cancer and colorectal cancer and the importance of getting screened, especially among African American men.
More than 120 free cancer screenings were conducted at last year’s Barbershop Bash.
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center works with community partners to offer screening events in various settings, including barbershops. Barbershop owners are often seen as trusted messengers in their communities and their barbershops are open discussion forums where men can discuss life and challenges, like health-related issues, among their peers. For Mary Bird Perkins, it’s about reaching men where they are.
This event is offered at no-cost to the community thanks to the support of the United Health Foundation. In 2023, the Foundation announced a three-year grant partnership with the Cancer Center to help increase access to prostate and colorectal cancer education, screening, and support for historically underserved individuals across Louisiana.
Barbershop Bash is also made possible through partnerships with the Louisiana Department of Health and the Beta Iota Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
For more information about this event or to learn more about other upcoming Barbershop Bash events, visit marybird.org/barbershopbash.