Free blood pressure monitoring now available at Delmont Gardens Branch Library
BATON ROUGE, LA. – Sept. 4, 2024 – Patrons who visit the Delmont Gardens Branch Library in East Baton Rouge can now borrow home blood pressure monitors in the same way they check out books. This location is home to the American Heart Association, Capital Area’s, first Libraries with Heart program in Louisiana, locally sponsored by CareSouth Medical and Dental.
"We are thrilled to sponsor this new, free service for our community and hope this model will soon expand to additional library branches to broaden our community health outreach," said Matthew Valliere, CEO of CareSouth Medical and Dental. "Our hope is to empower community members, giving them the tools to better understand their health and enact positive changes in their lives.”
Each kit from the American Heart Association includes a blood pressure monitor, materials on how to properly measure blood pressure at home, access to simple health literature and a list of community health centers and physicians. A tabletop blood pressure machine is also be available at the Delmont Gardens Branch and Charles R. Kelly Community Center. Last year, the Association and sponsor CareSouth launched the first blood pressure pilot at Charles R. Kelly Community Center.
“Libraries are amazing resources in our communities,” said Kerin Spears, executive director, American Heart Association, Greater Louisiana. “The availability of the new blood pressure monitoring station and kits will help increase access, for members of the community, to tools and information to live healthier.”
High blood pressure is often referred to as the “silent killer” because it can do damage to a person’s health without any symptoms. Uncontrolled blood pressure can lead to cardiovascular disease, including stroke, which is the number one cause of death in the United States. Unfortunately, the use of a blood pressure monitor might be difficult because of cost or lack of access. Libraries with Heart aims to improve the health of local communities by making these resources readily available for free to those who need them.
“Providing equal opportunities for everyone to live long, healthy lives is at the heart of our mission,” said Taunya Williams, community impact director, American Heart Association, Capital Area. “By breaking down barriers to health care through programs like Libraries with Heart, we aim to empower individuals to take charge of their well-being and ultimately save lives."
In the Baton Rouge area, as many as 36% of patients with uncontrolled blood pressure are not aware of their condition and are likely to develop high blood pressure unless steps are taken to control it. Blood pressure numbers of 120/80 mm Hg or less are considered normal for most adults. If results fall into this category, sticking with heart-healthy habits like following a balanced diet and getting regular exercise, will help keep it there.
To learn more about blood pressure and how you to keep yours in check, visit www.heart.org/bloodpressure.
For more information about Libraries with Heart , contact AHABatonRouge@heart.org Or visit www.heart.org/Louisiana.
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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 locally at Heart.org/Louisiana or on Facebook, Instagram or X.
For Media Inquiries:
Mary Fein, mary.fein@heart.org
