While traditionally closed to start the week, Church Street Barber Shop in Evanston will be open Monday.
The city’s Department of Health and Human Services is offering free haircuts along with free blood tests, screening for prostate-specific antigen, which may indicate cancer.
Zollie Webb, Evanston’s health programs coordinator, said they have been doing the program for about 3 years.
“We know the risk is higher among black men and we know they like to hang out in barber shops,” said Webb. “But sometimes we get as many white guys.”
Early detection is key to treatment, Webb said, and health officials recommend screenings for African-American males 40 and older, white males 50 and older, and men with a history of cancer in the family.
Webb said attendees should be patient while waiting for barbershop owner Sam Johnson.
“Sometimes guys will sit around and argue about football and basketball,” Webb said. “We make it like a neighborhood event.”
The styling and testing will be done from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1905 Church St. No appointment is necessary. Call 847-866-2952.