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TURNING BARBERSHOPS INTO HUBS FOR HEALTH
The Problem
Traditional health systems have often struggled to effectively engage Black men. Stigma, mistrust, and limited access to trusted resources can delay prevention and care.
Too often, health conversations happen too late or not at all. Real solutions start where trust already exists.
The Solution
For generations, Black barbershops have been the heartbeat of the community - a safe space where stories are shared and burdens are lightened.
Barbers are confidants. Their chairs are spaces where laughter meets bigger life lessons, making a talk about your health feel natural.
“Barbers, we’re like the doctor before the doctor.
People come to us because they feel like we’re trusted.”
— Cutting Out Stigma Barber
Watch the Story to learn how
Community Impact
Real Trust. Real Results.
25+
Barbershops Partnering
with Cutting Out Stigma
75+
Barbers Trained
as Men’s Health Ambassadors
4,500+
Barber-Led Health
Conversations
2,500+
Referrals Connecting
Community Members
to Resources & Care
150,000+
Campaign Impressions
Raising Health Awareness and Reducing Stigma
“Cutting Out Stigma kinda made me a pillar in my community.”
— Cutting Out Stigma Barber
Barbers as Men’s Health Ambassadors.
TRAIN
Communities through trusted conversations.
Engage
Clients to resources and care.
Connect
As healthier individuals and communities.
Thrive
Watch Cutting Out Stigma Barber in action
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Growing the Movement
What began as a program to address HIV stigma in Tennessee has expanded to Massachusetts.
Today, Cutting Out Stigma is growing into a broader community-driven movement advancing health equity for Black men and communities of color tackling HIV, mental health, substance use, and other pressing health challenges through trusted community spaces.
TESTIMONIALS
“I'm reaching different types of people, different, you know, different generations of people, it's like, and I feel like that's a great thing”
From Cutting out Stigma Barber
So I mean, I’m excited to share… It helps me feel good, like I’m, you know, fulfilling my purpose.”
From Cutting out Stigma Barber
“I feel like Cutting Out Stigma changed a lot of people's outlook on it just by knowing about it, or knowing that somebody cared to talk to you about it.”
From Cutting out Stigma Barber
The People Behind
the Work
Cutting Out Stigma is powered by a diverse network of leaders working together to advance community health.
Barbers
Trusted community voices leading health conversations where they matter most.
Public Health and Community Leaders
Public health, academic, and community leaders strengthening partnerships, deepening engagement, and driving impact.
Founder
Dr. Aima Ahonkhai, Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School, physician at Mass General Brigham, and implementation science researcher advancing health equity.
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Multimedia That Reaches People
Our culturally tailored posters, billboards, social media campaigns, and in-shop materials reach over 25,000 people every month. By combining bold visuals with community-centered messaging, we meet people where they are with information that resonates.
These multimedia efforts help spark conversations, increase awareness, and connect individuals to trusted health resources.
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With Gratitude to Our Funders
