Blood Pressure Cuffs Available for Checkout at the Library

Hillsboro City Library Director Justin Dyer and Callie Pittman, Programming & Outreach Librarian, with donated BP monitoring kits 

American Heart Association bridges healthcare needs of rural residents by offering blood pressure monitoring kits in Waco area libraries

A new initiative by the American Heart Association, a global force changing the future of health for all, aims to eliminate health disparities in the Waco area by adding 50 blood pressure monitoring kits to offerings at libraries across the region. The kits were made possible with funding from Ascension Providence.

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is a leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke, yet many people go undiagnosed or struggle to monitor their numbers consistently. By making blood pressure kits available for checkout, the library plays a crucial role in equipping the community with tools for better health management, said Lyndie Miller, development director for the American Heart Association in Waco and Bell County.

Each kit contains a blood pressure monitor and cuff, a log book for users to record their regular readings and instructions on how to use the monitors/cuffs. The kits will be available for patrons to check out just like any other library materials. The Association recommends users check take home the kits for at least three weeks to provide enough time to get familiar with the monitor, complete the two-week recommended tracking period and return the kit. Those without a library card can use the kits at the library.

“Our goal is to inform local clinics, hospitals and healthcare providers about the program so they can refer patients to the library to borrow a kit,” said Miller. “The goal is to provide access to blood pressure monitors for those who may not be able to afford one or whose healthcare provider is unable to loan one out.”

The kits were distributed to:

• Valley Mills Public Library

• Marlin Public Library

• Gibbs Memorial Library in Mexia

• Hillsboro City Library

• Moody Community Library

• Hewitt Public Library

Hillsboro City Library Director Justin Dyer said the kits are a way for the library to connect people with crucial services and information.

“Many rural communities face healthcare gaps, and these kits, donated by the American Heart Association, help bridge that divide,” he said.

People who live in rural communities experience an average of three years less than their urban counterparts, and they face a 40% higher likelihood of developing heart disease compared to those in small metropolitan and urban areas. Factors such as geographic isolation, limited access to healthcare specialists and socioeconomic status contribute to these disparities. Additionally, rural communities grapple with critical shortages of healthcare professionals, exacerbating the situation.

“While the program is relatively new, I believe we will see great success in making blood pressure kits accessible to those who need them most,” Miller added.

For more information about the blood pressure cuffs, or to reserve one now, call the library at 254-582-7385 or visit in person at 118 South Waco Street.