Project HairCare is designed to elevate the impact that shop operators have on their clients’ mental well-being. This program is essential because Black men and women in the U.S. have increased mental health challenges worsened by COVID-19 and daily social injustices.
Recently, UCHealth published an article on the foundational work being undertaken by project co-leaders Alex Reed, a psychologist with UCHealth A.F. Williams Family Medicine Clinic in Denver’s Central Park neighborhood, and Dr. Terri Richardson, a retired doctor and vice chair of Colorado Black Health Collaborative’s board. Reed is also an associate professor at the CU School of Medicine and is a team psychologist for the Denver Nuggets and the Colorado Rapids.
When asked about his participation in this program, Reed said: "I was originally drawn to this idea by my own stylist of 7 years who shared with me the many stories of mental health they hear from their clients, as well as their own challenges. I was then inspired by hearing the wide range of mental health challenges the barbers and stylists in the Black Community of Denver hear on a daily basis. They hear the same difficulties, tragedies and triumphs that I hear as a clinic psychologist in primary care. This program has meant a lot to me. As a white male, I am honored to listen and learn from these barbers and stylists who make such an impact on their client's lives...it has been a gift."