PHILADELPHIA, PA — To mark National HIV Testing Day on June 27, 2025, Bebashi and DKBmed are teaming up to provide free HIV and health screenings at ESPM Hair Zone in West Philadelphia. The initiative, known as Fade Out HIV: Barber and Clinician Outreach in Philadelphia, aims to bridge critical care gaps within Black communities disproportionately affected by the ongoing HIV epidemic.
The event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 5929 W. Girard Avenue, offering confidential HIV finger prick tests, as well as screenings for other health conditions like syphilis and hepatitis C. Participants will receive their results in minutes and be rewarded with a $25 Visa gift card for their involvement. Testing will take place in Bebashi’s mobile testing lab.
Highlighting the importance of the event is the stark reality of HIV’s impact on Black Americans, who account for 40% of new HIV diagnoses nationwide. “Black men are six times more likely to acquire HIV than Caucasian men,” said Michael Melvin, Bebashi’s community engagement coordinator. “Here in Philadelphia, the incidence of HIV among Black residents is three times the national rate at 28 per 100,000.”
Barbers play an essential role in this outreach effort. Known within communities as trusted confidants, barbers can provide a critical bridge to educate and connect clients to life-saving healthcare services. “Barbers often consider themselves counselors and cultivate deep, trusting relationships with their clients,” Melvin explained. “That makes them ideal partners for delivering patient education and encouraging people to seek care.”
National HIV Testing Day serves as a reminder of the importance of early detection in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Advancements in medicine mean HIV is now manageable with proper treatment, enabling individuals to live full and healthy lives. “We encourage everyone to know their status so they can begin treatment promptly, live healthier lives, and prevent transmission to others,” Melvin added.
Through their innovative collaboration, Bebashi and DKBmed aim to break down barriers to testing and care, fostering a healthier, more informed community. By meeting people where they are and providing accessible, non-judgmental screenings, the initiative highlights the effectiveness of community-centered healthcare solutions.
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