CATALYST GRANTS
Compassionate Clippers
By Tim Neptune
Through a Catalyst Grant-funded program, barbers such as Steven Scarver are developing the skills they need to better support the emotional needs of customers. | Photo: Annie O’Neill
THE FACTS
A dedicated Cleveland Clinic caregiver is giving barbers a new look when it comes to mental health. One in 5 people lives with behavioral health disorders, including depression, anxiety and addiction. This concern touches many people, transcending age, gender, sex, background and ethnicity. Historically under-resourced communities are disproportionately affected by enduring stigmas surrounding mental health, which, along with social and economic obstacles, often lead individuals to put off or avoid seeking necessary treatment.
I feel very passionate about this, and I feel very driven. The Catalyst Grant allowed us to put this initiative on a larger scale, faster. There is so much more to be done, but I am hopeful.
— Mary Louise Tatum, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
THE NEED
Mary Louise Tatum, MPH, MSN, PMHNP-BC, is a psychiatric nurse practitioner at Cleveland Clinic Stephanie Tubbs Jones Health Center. Witnessing the daily challenges faced by patients, she was moved to help alleviate their burdens. Her quest for answers led her to a logical source of comfort and expression: the neighborhood barbershop.
THE IDEA
Barbershops have traditionally been safe spaces where people feel comfortable, sharing their personal stories. By leveraging established trust and rapport with their clients, barbers can not only recognize signs of mental health conditions but also provide resources to get help. Mary Louise hopes to trim the stigma through her Catalyst Grant by working with business owners, community leaders and activists. Her grassroots initiatives have successfully incorporated mental health training into the curriculum at LaBarberia, a barber school in Cleveland. Speakers are brought in to address significant issues such as substance abuse, consensual sex and sexual assault.
Cleveland Clinic’s CATALYST GRANTS pool donations to fund the brightest ideas from our caregivers to improve patient outcomes and experiences. To date, more than 300 grants have been awarded, representing a total of $16.1 million in support.
THE IMPACT
These efforts normalize the conversation, empowering barbers to feel confident and at ease in helping others. The beauty of this program lies in its ability to support barbers first as they process through their own trauma, which then cascades into a broader, positive impact. What Mary Louise is doing is nothing short of awe-inspiring, but she’ll tell you that much more work remains to be done. She is a humble reminder that the best of us often lead with grace and integrity, making a difference in the lives of others without seeking recognition.