City partners with barbershops on “Fresh Fades & Healthy Hearts”

Published on August 13, 2025

Gainesville Fire Rescue (GFR) is proud to announce the launch of Fresh Fades & Healthy Hearts, a new outreach initiative funded by a $27,050 grant from the Coverys Community Healthcare Foundation. Designed to promote cardiovascular wellness, the innovative program will be led by GFR’s Director of Community Health Initiatives Brandy Stone.

Director Stone has long envisioned a program that brings preventive screenings, along with connections to healthcare options, directly into familiar places where people feel comfortable and safe. The inventive approach of Fresh Fades & Healthy Hearts pulls barbers into the mix, leaning on their role as trusted friend and advisor. The program will introduce cardiovascular screenings to shops where customers already visit regularly and are accustomed to talking, listening and exchanging information.

The initiative is rooted in national and local data that shows 55% of Black adults in the United States have high blood pressure. In Alachua County, the 2024 Community Health Assessment revealed that Black residents are more likely than other racial groups to have hypertension. Nearly twice as many respondents reported having high blood pressure than having diabetes. With this, Fresh Fades & Healthy Hearts can fill an important gap—providing blood pressure checks for those most at-risk for heart-related illnesses.

“Barbershops are more than just places to get a haircut—they’re cornerstones of community connection,” said Director Stone. “By meeting people where they are and equipping barbers to use blood pressure cuffs and refer clients to health resources, we’re removing barriers and building trust. The ultimate goal is to provide education and raise awareness that lets people take control of their own heart health.”

Barbers who participate in the program will receive training from GFR emergency medical services staff to learn how to take accurate blood pressure readings, offer health education and guide clients to follow-up care. They also will receive user-friendly equipment, including blood pressure monitors and iPads for easy data collection, as well as compensation for their time in training.

“Fresh Fades & Healthy Hearts is another example of our commitment to community-driven solutions,” said Gainesville City Manager Cynthia W. Curry. “We’re thankful to the Coverys Foundation for investing in this bold idea and to our barbers for stepping into a new role as health ambassadors.”

In its first phase, Fresh Fades & Healthy Hearts will focus on recruiting five to 10 neighborhood barbershops located in zip codes with the city’s highest volume of 911 calls for cardiac-related emergencies. The program also will include incentives such as $5 discounts on haircuts for first-time participants and community launch events to generate awareness and excitement.

The program is expected to begin implementation in early fall. Neighbors interested in learning more are encouraged to contact Brandy Stone at stonebl@gainesvillefl.gov or 352-393-8566.