Local Non Profit Distributes Thermometers

Local non-profit MetroMorphosis distributed Non Contact Thermometers to local Barbershops and Beauty Salons in the Baton Rouge area.

On Saturday, May 16th local non profit MetroMorphosis in partnership with Mayor – President Sharon Weston Broome distributed infrared thermometers and other supplies to barbershops and beauty salons that opened at the end of Governor Edward’s stay at home order.

MetroMorphosis is a local non profit organization led by Raymond Jetson whose mission is to transform urban communities from within. The organization does this through a number of strategies that provide backbone support to other organizations, businesses and individuals that work in the education, small business development and social service sectors.

This is not the first time that the non profit has chosen to support barbershops and beauty salons. Their “Barbershop Talks” series repurposes barbershops as safe spaces for Black men to congregate and discuss topics that are important to their communities. This relationship with barbers led to a partnership with the Mayor’s Office to launch “Hair and Health” which trained barbers to check blood pressure during their appointments and make referrals to federally qualified health centers if blood pressure was abnormal.

Through these initiatives and working relationships it became clear that barbers, stylists and their shops play vital roles in the communities that they serve. These “front line” workers come into contact with people from all over the city and sometimes the state not knowing where they’ve been or who they may have come into contact with. For MetroMorphosis, these businesses and their owners are vital components in the social and economic ecosystem of inner city Baton Rouge.

Jetson recalls that during a webinar this past week with barbers and beauticians, many of them expressed their desire to resume servicing their clients but were concerned about not having the equipment necessary to do so.

After the call Jetson and MetroMorphosis colleague Sherreta Harrison moved on the idea to provide some thermometers and other supplies to assist these shops in protecting themselves and their clients.Two days later the MetroMorphosis team had purchased 100 Non Contact Infrared Thermometers, sanitizers and the Mayor’s office donated 1,000 masks to the initiative.

Some local shops took to social media to express their appreciation: @presidentialgrooming said, “Just wanted to personally thank you for the thermometer and the care package. It’s greatly appreciated. Blessing to you and your staff.”

Other comments from @sincerelyneici wrote, “Thx Metromorphosis, this was perfect and on time” and Crystal LeBlanc said on Facebook, “Tres Bella Salon would like to thank MetroMorphosis for supplying us with literature, mask, cleaning supplies, and a digital thermometer. We are taking every precaution to ensure the safety of our clients! Thanks for your contribution and your support!

When asked about how people responded to the effort Harrison said that, “People were genuinely appreciative of the supplies. I believe they saw us as a true partner in keeping them working and safe. Our whole team was excited to serve them today.”