Thanks to the “Libraries with Heart” grant from the American Heart Association, the Sioux Center Public Library has blood pressure cuffs available for checkout! This initiative aims to increase awareness of heart health and the importance of regular blood pressure monitoring.
High blood pressure, often called the “silent killer” as it can silently damage a person’s health without noticeable symptoms, is a leading cause of heart disease and stroke. The American Heart Association has recognized the need to increase public awareness and access to blood pressure monitoring tools, leading to this unique collaboration with libraries across the country.
The library offers six blood pressure kits in different sizes for checkout. They are located in the non-fiction section by the medical books, and one blood pressure kit is reserved for in-library use. The kits include an informational booklet in both Spanish and English, with plans for a Ukrainian translation. The Bluetooth-enabled cuffs allow users to track their blood pressure data through online apps.
Promise Community Health Center team members will attend the library’s English classes to educate patrons on the benefits of monitoring blood pressure and to promote the availability of these cuffs. This partnership seeks to address the health needs of the community, especially those at higher risk for heart issues.