BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Easter weekend is one of the busiest times of the year for barbershops and barbers on Buffalo’s East side are taking advantage of the influx of customers.

House of Masters, Xpressions and Styles of Man partnered with local health groups, including the Erie County Health Department, Kaleida Health and Evergreen, to provide free and confidential HIV tests on Good Friday.

“It’s the best weekend,” said House of Masters owner, Sean Thompson. “This is the time that you're gonna be able to capture people coming to the barbershop that won’t normally come to see their doctor.”

Barbers say they are onboard with helping health officials meet people where they are most comfortable. 

“It’s important for the physicians to come out to the public and this is a proper vehicle,” added Thompson.

Shiloah Bostic of Youthlink Health says the event is one of the best strategies to increase awareness and reduce HIV infections.

“Whenever you're dealing with chronic diseases there’s always stigma, but one thing we're working on getting people to see is just because you get HIV doesn't mean you're going to die. It's no longer terminal," said Bostic.  

In addition to free HIV testing — patrons were given free condoms and information about the FDA approved PEP pill. PEP prevents HIV infection after a possible recent exposure.