ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 21, 2024 — As Central Florida's Libraries with Heart program grows, so does community access to vital health resources.
The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association and their Together to End Stroke sponsor, the HCA Healthcare Foundation, are working with HCA Florida Healthcare and Orange County Library System to prevent stroke and improve health in Greater Orlando by empowering community members to know their numbers and monitor their blood pressure.
High blood pressure is a leading cause of both heart disease and stroke. It’s often referred to as the “silent killer” because it can do damage to a person’s health without any symptoms. High blood pressure leads to cardiovascular disease which is the number one cause of death in the United States. Cardiovascular disease accounts for approximately one out of every five deaths in Florida.
Through the Libraries with Heart program, Orange County Library System cardholders can check out a blood pressure monitoring kit to self-measure their blood pressure, access simple health literature and receive referrals to affordable clinics should they need care. Currently, the Eatonville, Hiawassee, Orlando Public Library, South Creek, South Trail, Southwest, Washington Park, Windermere and Winter Garden branches have launched Libraries with Heart and blood pressure kits are available for check out by library card holders at these sites.
“We are honored to help raise awareness of heart and stroke prevention through the American Heart Association’s Libraries with Heart program to help raise awareness of heart health and stroke prevention,” said Wendy Brandon, chief executive officer, UCF Lake Nona Hospital, one of five HCA Florida Healthcare hospitals in the Greater Orlando area. “Empowering our community members to take an active role in monitoring and managing their heart health is helping us make real strides in the fight against heart disease and stroke.” Brandon is a member of the American Heart Association’s Circle of Red as well as the Greater Orlando Heart Walk Executive Leadership Team and will serve as Greater Orlando Heart Walk chair in 2025.
The American Heart Association’s Greater Orlando Community Impact team, HCA Florida Healthcare, and Orange County Library System are working to bring Libraries with Heart to all 15 branches. Blood pressure kits may be checked out for two weeks at a time and come with information on how to measure blood pressure correctly and blood pressure tracking logs in English and Spanish so individuals can bring the information to their doctor as needed.
“With support from the American Heart Association and HCA Florida Healthcare to make blood pressure monitoring kits more available to our community is a great addition to the treasury of resources Orange County Library System holds,” said OCLS Director and CEO Steve Powell. “Promoting heart health and providing blood pressure monitoring kits to the public is an important service we are proud to provide.”
The American Heart Association, HCA Florida Healthcare, and the Orange County Library System are working to launch Libraries with Heart at the Alafaya, Chickasaw, Fairview Shores, North Orange, Southeast, and West Oaks branches later this year. To learn more, contact Erick.Sanchez@Heart.org.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
About HCA Florida Healthcare
HCA Florida Healthcare, a part of HCA Healthcare, is a family of more than 650 affiliated sites of care, including hospitals, physician practices, freestanding emergency rooms and urgent care centers. United as a statewide network in 2022, HCA Florida Healthcare includes approximately 11,000 experienced doctors and more than 79,000 colleagues working together to deliver equitable, evidence-based collaborative care to more than 8.6 million patients each year. HCA Florida Healthcare is committed to improving more lives in more ways and giving back to the communities it serves. The network provides more than $848.8 million in uncompensated care and contributes $2.1 million to community organizations across the state. In addition, HCA Florida Healthcare offers patients access to highly-trained specialists, including the state’s largest cardiovascular network. A strong advocate for the next generation of healthcare professionals, HCA Florida Healthcare is also a major supporter of university-based healthcare programs and residencies and fellowships throughout the Sunshine State. For more information, please visit HCAFloridaHealthcare.com.
About HCA Healthcare Foundation
The mission of the HCA Healthcare Foundation is to promote health and well-being and strive to make a positive impact in all the communities HCA Healthcare serves. We accomplish this mission by providing leadership, service and financial support to effective non-profit organizations working individually and collectively.
About Orange County Library System
Orange County Library System’s (OCLS) mission is to add to quality of life by creating a learning environment and experiences that foster personal growth and development for the more than 1.4 million residents of Orange County, Fla. With 15 branches and a vast network of online resources, OCLS engages customers in amazing experiences and opportunities to learn, explore and create. From cutting edge technology and inventive fiber arts to enriching storytimes and bestselling author events, OCLS brings innovative resources to more than 4 million visitors in branches and beyond. Wherever you are, we’ll meet you there. For more information about the Orange County Library system, visit ocls.info. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
For Media Inquiries:
American Heart Association
Emory Parkins emory.parkins@heart.org
HCA Healthcare North Florida Division
Victoria Heller Victoria.Heller@hcahealthcare.com
Orange County Library System
Leigh Andrus landrus@ocls.info
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