The Role of the Black Church, the Barbershop/Beauty Salon, and Digital Communication to Support African American Persons Living With HIV/AIDS

Abstract

‘Perspectives’ is a special feature included in this issue of Journal of Creativity in Mental Health that provides mental health professionals with an opportunity to discuss their positions on a variety of creativity-related topics. In this column, Yegan Pillay shares his perspective on the roles of the Black church and barbershops/beauty salons and the use of digital technology as resources to support African American persons living with HIV/AIDS. Yegan Pillay is a South African who has worked as a researcher/mental health practitioner in Botswana and South Africa and is the current director of the HIV/AIDS in Africa Education Program. He incorporates into his research, writing, and practice creative and innovative nontraditional strategies that enhance the psychological well-being of people.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2010) reports that approximately 1 million people in the United States are living with HIV. African Americans comprise 12% of the population yet account for approximately 46% of the people living with HIV. The rising prevalence rate among African Americans is an anomaly given that the prevalence rate is on a downward trend globally. Traditional intervention strategies are evidently ineffective, and therefore, alternative, creative, and innovative methods should be explored. The author examines the role of the Black church and barbershops/beauty salons and the use of digital technology as resources to supplement prevention and treatment strategies.

Keywords:

• African American
• HIV/AIDS
• barbershop/beauty salons
• Black church
• digital revolution
• creativity