William S. ("Bill") Robinson started the innovative prostate cancer prevention program as a pilot approach in 2000, and since then has had more than 50 barbershops participate in the Brothers Against Prostate Cancer Awareness Program (B.A.P. CapTM) - one of the signature programs of the Black Men's Health Initiative (BMHI). Through B.A.P. CapTM, barbers are trained at Lunch & Learn sessions where they are taught about the prostate, risks for prostate problems and symptoms that need attention. Barbers are encouraged to share this information with their customers while they're waiting for or getting a haircut. If the patron agrees to read a decision guide on prostate cancer, a pamphlet on increasing fruits and vegetables in their diet, and information on staying physically active, they are given a baseball cap - all at no cost. Over the years, the results have been enlightening and, at times, life-saving, as it helps Black men to be more informed decision - makers when it comes to maintaining their prostate health.



Robinson's program reached more than 65,000 men, directly, via barber chairs in South Carolina and an additional 200,000 - 300,000 via presentations at health fairs, conferences, regional and national meetings, in churches and beauty shops. B.A.P. CapTM is a proven program that was deemed a "best practice" model by the South Atlantic Division of the American Cancer Society in 2005, and received the Healthy South Carolina Challenge "2006 Award for Organizational Creativity" presented by SC Governor Mark Sanford and First Lady Jenny Sanford.



The Black Men's Health Initiative will establish its headquarters in North Carolina and provide innovative health outreach to ten (10) states in the Southeast Region of the U.S. - Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas.



If you are interested in establishing B.A.P. CapTM at a barbershop in your neighborhood, contact the Black Men's Health Initiative at: 919-237-2617, or visit their website at www.BMHI.org.