RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Richmond Public Libraries and the American Heart Association (AHA) have partnered to offer blood pressure monitoring stations at various library branches in the city.
The library system, along with AHA, the Capital Area Health Network and VCU Health, have worked together to implement these stations at seven branches throughout Richmond.
Blood pressure is a major indicator of your overall health, according to the National Institute of Health (NIH). Placing these monitors at multiple locations encourages people to stay informed and take control of their health.
Staying vigilant is critical when it comes to monitoring your blood pressure. According to NIH, it increases your risk of heart disease and stroke.
Through the partnership, seven library branches now have stations that are equipped with a blood pressure monitor, information about how to read your numbers and a variety of health resources.
The seven branches were chosen based on federal census data regarding high blood pressure rates.
Ben Himmelfarb, the community services manager for the main Richmond Public Library branch, said the library is taking steps to become a place where people can go to get information and resources about their health.
Himmelfarb said the blood pressure stations are meant to encourage people to stay on top of their health, as people can take their blood pressure within minutes at the closest library to them.
“We’re informing people about what their blood pressure reading means we’re empowering them then with other local people they can connect to get healthcare to take next steps,” Himmelfarb said.
Blood pressure kits can be checked out at any Richmond public library for up to two weeks at a time. Each kit has a monitor, daily log to keep track of your numbers, manual and health resources in the area.
The monitors are simple to use — all you have to do it wrap the cuff snugly around your upper arm before pressing the button on the monitor.
“This is about having as many opportunities as possible for people to check their blood pressure, to know what it is and to understand what the consequences could be,” Himmelfarb said.
Tina Turner, a Richmond resident, has always tried to stay on top of her health, including regularly checking her blood pressure. She said these new stations will help her stay even more vigilant with her health, especially because she visits the library almost every day.
“It is very convenient, anytime of the day I can see what my blood pressure is,” Turner said.
Some Richmond library branches are also offering free blood pressure screenings, which are offered multiple times a week.
