Everyone deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life, with access to simple tools that make prevention and early awareness easier. The American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, is collaborating with the Tacoma Public Library (TPL) to bring convenient, at-home blood pressure monitoring resources directly to the community.
Through the Association’s Libraries with Heart initiative, patrons can check out blood pressure monitoring kits—just as they would borrow a book—from any of Tacoma Public Library's eight locations. They can also borrow a blood pressure monitoring kit for use within the library. Each kit includes an Association-validated monitor and cuff, easy-to-follow instructions, guidance on understanding readings and tips for improving blood pressure. Materials are available in English and Spanish.
“Public libraries exist to meet people where they are, and that includes supporting our community’s health and well-being,” said TPL Director Amita Lonial. “By adding blood pressure monitoring kits to our resources, we’re helping remove barriers to care and empowering our patrons with practical tools they can use in their everyday lives.”
Patrons can use the kits to track their blood pressure regularly, which is an important step for those who are managing or at risk for high blood pressure. Recording readings over time and sharing them with a health care provider can help identify patterns, guide care decisions and evaluate whether lifestyle changes or medications are working.
"Hypertension or high blood pressure is often called a 'silent killer' because many people do not know that their numbers are high until serious symptoms or events occur," said Susie Woo, M.D., FACC, cardiologist and board president, American Heart Association, Washington. “Many adults in Washington are living with high blood pressure and unaware or without the tools to manage it. At-home monitoring enables people to be more actively involved in knowing their numbers and partnering with their providers to improve their health, using measurements from the comfort and privacy of their home."
Home blood pressure monitoring can be especially useful for anyone diagnosed with high blood pressure, for anyone starting a high blood pressure treatment to help determine effectiveness, or for those requiring closer monitoring, especially those at high risk for high blood pressure or conditions related to high blood pressure. Self-monitoring should not be a substitute for regular visits to your medical provider but can be an important tool for patients and clinicians.
Tacoma Public Library patrons interested in borrowing a kit can check availability through the online catalog. Kits can be checked out for three weeks at a time.
This collaboration marks an expansion of the Association’s Libraries with Heart initiative in Washington—which includes Timberland Regional Library, Puyallup Library, San Juan Island Library, Central Skagit Library, Everett Public Library, and Lummi Library at Northwest Indian College—to increase access to blood pressure tools and resources statewide. Libraries interested in participating can contact puget.sound@heart.org.
Additional Resources about Blood Pressure:
- heart.org/hbp
- heart.org article: The Facts About High Blood Pressure
- heart.org article: Understanding Blood Pressure Readings
- Infographic: Consequences of High Blood pressure in English, Spanish or Traditional Chinese
- Infographic: How to Measure Your Blood Pressure Properly in English, Spanish or Chinese
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About Tacoma Public Library:
Tacoma Public Library's mission is to empower its community by bringing people together to discover, connect, create, learn, and thrive. Learn more at tacomalibrary.org.
Media contact:
Mariesa Bus, Public Information Officer | mbus@tacomalibrary.org | 253.280.2882
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. In Washington, visit heart.org/Washington, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram or X.
For Media Inquiries:
Lily Gordon: lily.gordon@heart.org
Valerie Koch: valerie.koch@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org