Using unexpected channels like the pulpit and the barber’s chair, Dr. Joseph Ravenell delivers basic health care information to an at-risk demographic -- African-American men.
Why you should listen
Colorectal cancer and hypertension are the two leading causes of death among African-American males over 50, and yet these men remain underserved by basic diagnostic procedures such as blood pressure checks or cancer screening. By tapping the members of the African-American community most often trusted by men -- barbers and religious leaders -- Joseph Ravenell hopes to change that.
Working with New York University's Men's Health Initiative, Ravenell studies and implements community-based strategies to diagnose and treat these preventable and potentially deadly diseases, offering blood pressure readings at barbershops and health education at churches and mosques.
What others say
This doctor is trying to save black lives, one haircut at a time.
