written by Shelley O’Brien, Executive Director of the Johnson County Library Foundation
Many people love libraries. Now the Library is promoting loving your heart.
The Johnson County Library is partnering with the local Kansas Chapter of the American Heart Association to place blood pressure machines in 11 of our 14 Johnson County Libraries. This is part of the Communities with Heart program, sponsored in conjunction with HCA Midwest Health and the HCA Healthcare Foundation.
High blood pressure and hypertension can lead to more serious problems like a heart attack or a stroke. This condition affects people of all ages, from children to older adults. Identifying an underlying issue early can help reduce or even prevent further complications.
While many people remember the large machines at drugstores, the machines at the Library are small enough to fit on a desktop and are much more comfortable. Additionally, they are more convenient and accurate than ever.
Some key points about these devices:
- Patrons can use these machines for free and on their own.
- Library staff can direct library patrons to resources to interpret the results or suggest seeking an opinion from a medical professional.
- These devices do not record any health data. They provide the library patron with a printed ticket of their blood pressure numbers. The only information stored is how many times the machine has been used.
“We are excited to promote healthier tomorrows for the community with the partnerships we have with both the American Heart Association and Johnson County Public Library, said Allie Krass, Associate Vice President of Community Engagement with HCA Midwest Health. “Stopping by one of the many Johnson County Library branches is a convenient way to check your blood pressure while grabbing your book holds or attending one of their outstanding programs.”
The 11 branches with blood pressure machines include:
- Blue Valley
- Cedar Roe in Roeland Park
- Central Resource
- Corinth in Prairie Village
- Edgerton
- Gardner
- Leawood Pioneer
- Lenexa City Center
- Monticello in Shawnee
- Oak Park
- Shawnee