Community Care Behavioral Health’s HAIR (Health Access Initiative for Recovery) program is coming to Coatesville with the help of The Alliance for Health Equity, writes Denise Bonura for the Pittsburgh Magazine. 

As part of the program, stylists and barbers add to their skill set by becoming certified wellness ambassadors. This provides people of color with a safe space where they can discuss the issues they are facing and get information on how to access resources available for the help they may need. 

The initiative meets people at the place where they are comfortable, said Lori Weems, HAIR program director. It’s about doing more for someone than just their hair.

“The stylists and barbers attend two days of training that help them to recognize signs of behavioral health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance use disorder, as well as suicide,” she said. 

While some clients may not be ready for therapy, the program can assist in planting the seed with them. 

“This is something that takes time,” said Weems. “The stigma around mental health, the distrust, racism, and trauma happen in our community. A lot of these things are normalized because we are told not to speak about things and to be strong.” 

Read more about the HAIR program and how it helps people in the Pittsburgh Magazine. 

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