Bro. Dr. Bill Releford on NBC

[Professor]

Dear Brothers:

Our own Alpha Brother, Dr. Bill Releford, will be featured on the NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams on Friday, April 24th during the "Making a Difference" segment. Our Alpha Phi Alpha brother posses’ courage and vision the qualities befitting all members. His heroic efforts are captured in his mission to screen black men for hypertension and diabetes – right at the barbershop. He has saved lives and limbs in the process.

Known as the “Black Barbershop Health Outreach Program”, this novel initiative began in Los Angeles when Dr. Releford became alarmed over the growing number of black male patients who had diabetes and/or hypertension and had lost their limbs to this disease. In this grassroots program, Releford and a squadron of physicians, go to where black men congregate – in the barbershop.

Since its launch, the program has screened over 7000 in 16 of cities and reports that the effort is netting results. As a result of the screenings held at the Barbershops, 35% have been diagnosed as having some form of cardiovascular disease and have been placed on a lifestyle program and diet that would allow them to live with the disease. In some cases, Releford reports that, it's not uncommon to find it necessary to refer someone directly to the emergency room after receiving life-threatening test results.

This proved to save lives.

Through Brother Bill's efforts, the “Black Barbershop Health Outreach Program” has saved numerous lives and transformed men who primarily ate fried foods and engaged in destructive health habits – all who were headed to an early death – become specimens of health and mindful of their diets.

Brothers, we need to have the family tune in to see what an Alpha man is doing to live our mission.

Remember, it'll air this Friday, April 24th during the NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams . Check your local listings for correct time.

(Skip's sign-off)

Skip Mason