American Heart Association expands lifesaving health resources in rural West Texas libraries
ALPINE, Texas, Oct. 27, 2026 — Rural residents in two West Texas communities now have greater access to lifesaving health resources thanks to a partnership between the American Heart Association, the FMH Foundation, the Tocker Foundation and local public libraries.
The American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, has expanded its Libraries With Heart initiative to the Alpine Public Library and the Fort Stockton Public Library. The program provides free access to blood pressure monitoring resources, educational materials and CPR training opportunities designed to help residents take charge of their health and be prepared to respond during a cardiac emergency.
Resources will be available at both library locations following community ribbon cuttings Thursday, Oct. 29:
- Alpine Public Library, 805 W. Avenue E., 11 a.m.
- Fort Stockton Public Library, 500 N. Water St., 2 p.m.
"Public libraries are trusted community gathering places and an important source of information, especially in rural communities," said Eva Olivas, community impact director, health strategies, for the American Heart Association. "By bringing blood pressure monitoring tools and CPR education directly into libraries, we're helping remove barriers to health information and empowering residents with skills and resources that can save lives."
The initiative is part of the American Heart Association's broader effort to address health disparities and improve access to health care services in rural Texas. The program builds on earlier work supported by FMH Foundation to expand health-focused services in public libraries and create new opportunities for residents to engage in preventive health care and educational programming.
Each participating library has received:
- Blood pressure monitoring stations available for public use
- Blood pressure cuffs that can be checked out by patrons for home monitoring
- Educational resources focused on managing blood pressure and improving heart health
- CPR Anytime® training kits available to help community members learn Hands-Only CPR and build confidence in responding to a cardiac emergency
Over the course of the two-year grant, the American Heart Association plans to distribute CPR training kits that will help hundreds of residents learn the lifesaving skill of Hands-Only CPR. The program also aims to increase awareness of heart health and improve access to preventive health resources in communities where health care services may be limited.
People living in rural communities often face challenges including longer travel distances to health care providers, fewer available medical services and higher rates of chronic health conditions. By leveraging libraries as accessible community hubs, the program helps connect residents with tools and information that support healthier lives.
Additional details about ribbon-cutting events and community programming will be announced in the coming weeks. More information is available from Amy Salonek at Amy.Salonek@heart.org.
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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 a 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.
For Media Inquiries
Cyd King: cyd.king@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
