Piedmont Cartersville takes blood pressure awareness into the community with barbershop event

Cartersville, Ga. (June 26, 2026) - A local barbershop became an unexpected hub for healthcare on Friday as Piedmont Cartersville launched its new “Cut the Pressure” initiative, bringing free blood pressure screenings directly into the community.

Held at The Fade Club Barber Shop on Joe Frank Harris Parkway, the event offered on-site screenings and education aimed at raising awareness about hypertension, particularly in the Black community, where rates are disproportionately high.

The initiative is designed to meet people in familiar, trusted settings where conversations about health can happen more naturally. Barbershops, long considered community gathering places, provided the setting for both screenings and meaningful discussions about prevention and early detection.

Often referred to as the “silent killer,” high blood pressure typically shows no symptoms, leaving many individuals unaware of their condition. Nearly half of U.S. adults are affected, underscoring the importance of early detection and education efforts like this one.

Heather Clement, director of the Emergency Department at Piedmont Cartersville, said initiatives like “Cut the Pressure” are critical to improving long-term health outcomes in the community.

“We see firsthand the devastating effects uncontrolled high blood pressure can have on patients and families,” Clement said. “By bringing screenings and education into places people trust, like their neighborhood barbershop, we can help identify risks earlier and connect people to care before it becomes an emergency.”

In addition to Friday’s kickoff event, the partnership is expected to have a lasting impact. The barbershop will continue offering blood pressure monitoring for customers year-round, creating an accessible and comfortable environment for ongoing health checks.

Piedmont leaders say the effort reflects a broader commitment to improving community health by expanding access to preventive care beyond traditional clinical settings.

By taking healthcare out of the hospital and into everyday spaces, Piedmont Cartersville hopes to encourage more people to know their numbers—and take control of their health before problems arise.