Barber shops and beauty shops in African American communities are more than a place to get a haircut and other grooming services. They are also a gathering sanctum where the community meets and enjoys camaraderie, shares stories about life events and gets the latest information about community happenings. In recent years, these shops have become a setting where health promotion and study take place. During African American Week of Action, DC Health Link in conjunction with various community organizations and local businesses will place special emphasis on the importance of African Americans, especially men, enrolling in quality, affordable health insurance through DC Health Link. Studies have shown that young African-American men are far less likely to have health insurance and also that African American men have the highest disability and death rates from high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and prostate cancer of any racial or ethnic group in the country. DC Health Link certified Assisters will be on site to provide in-person education and enrollment assistance to District consumers as well as answer questions, and provide information about Medicaid options and financial help with plan premiums. They will also place DC Health Link fliers at various barbershops and beauty shops in targeted areas to remind uninsured residents to enroll by the January 31 deadline.