Beyond the stacks of novels and biographies, in addition to the computers and video games, there’s another kind of reading going on at Johnson County Library. Blood pressure monitors have recently been installed in 10 of the 14 branches.
A partnership with the American Heart Association and HCA Midwest Health is giving a whole new meaning to libraries as a source of information to keep Johnson County safe and healthy.
“Libraries are a place where the community comes together,” explained Jared Harper, Southwest Regional Manager for Johnson County Library. “These blood pressure monitors are another opportunity to give people – many who might be underinsured or without medical resources – a chance to get some help.”
According to the Heart Association, nearly half of American adults (120 million people) have high blood pressure. It is often called the “silent killer” because as many as a third of those with uncontrolled high blood pressure are not aware of their condition, which can lead to stroke, heart and kidney disease and more.
The Library and the heart association – despite strikingly different roles in the community --- make logical partners.
Meeting people where they’re at is a fundamental part of the mission of the Heart Association, according to its website. The program of placing blood pressure monitors in libraries is nationwide; most libraries in the Kansas City metro now have monitors.
Harper said the monitors fit into the mission of the Library as well, helping make it a place where people can turn for whatever resources they need. He said the medical devices are free, easy to use and there are no questions asked.
“Privacy is important to both us and our partners,” Harper said. “These machines store nothing. They are not connected to the internet or any network. The only thing they keep track of is the number of times they have been used.”
That number, in the first month (July) that the monitors were in place at 10 branches is about 1,300 tests. One Library patron shared gratitude for the machines, as the results they received led them to make an appointment with a cardiologist. Harper said the Kansas City, Mo., public libraries recorded around 16,000 tests in the past year, demonstrating a real need for the service.
Stann Tate, the president of the Johnson County Library Foundation board of directors, brought the idea of the partnership to the Board. It was approved at its June meeting.
“As the Board of Directors President for the Johnson County Library Foundation, I enjoy sharing with people that libraries are more than just a place with books. Our libraries are centers of information, education, creativity, and community resources,” said Tate, who is director of Communications and Community Engagement for Menorah Medical Center, an HCA hospital.
“By partnering with the American Heart Association and Johnson County Library, we’re working to create healthier tomorrows for the many communities we serve at HCA Midwest Health with these blood pressure monitors.”
Tate added that participating library locations also provide educational materials on heart health, encouraging library visitors to learn about managing their blood pressure and understanding cardiovascular risk factors.
In addition to the monitoring stations in the Libraries, there are nearby notebooks that help patrons use the machines properly and prepare themselves to get accurate readings, give tips on how to manage blood pressure and provide details about resources they can access for more information how to access low- or no-cost care. The information is provided in both English and Spanish.
One of the most important steps to control your blood pressure is keeping track of your results and talking to you doctor about them. The monitors provide a printout of the readings to help you remember. After the printing, the information is erased for privacy reasons.
Harper said because libraries are considered “safe places,” they are perfect spots for people to use the machines and stay on top of their health needs.
“Everyone is equal here. This is a judgment-free zone,” Harper said.
So, the next time you think about checking something out at the Library, you might remember the Library is lending more than just books. They’re lending a hand to public health, too. Visit jocolibrary.org/locations to find a location near you.
