KANSAS CITY, October 29, 2024 — The American Heart Association is excited to announce the expansion of its impactful Libraries with Heart initiative to Mid-Continent Public Library (MCPL). This program will now feature blood pressure kiosks at various locations, allowing patrons to check their blood pressure and receive a printed reading to discuss with their primary care provider.

Kansas Citians can now access blood pressure kiosks at select Mid-Continent Public Library branches and all Kansas City Public Libraries, along with some additional locations.

Libraries with Heart Locations:
KCPL Bluford Branch, 3050 Prospect Avenue Kansas City, MO 64128
KCPL Central Library, 14 West 10th Street Kansas City, MO 64105
KCPL North-East Branch, 6000 Wilson Avenue Kansas City, MO 64123
KCPL Plaza Branch, 4801 Main Street Kansas City, MO 64112
KCPL Ruiz Branch, 2017 West Pennway Street Kansas City, MO 64108
KCPL Southeast Branch, 6242 Swope Parkway Kansas City, MO 64130
KCPL Trails West Branch, 11401 East 23rd Street Independence, MO 64052
KCPL Waldo Branch, 201 East 75th Street Kansas City, MO 64114

MCPL Colbern Road Library Center, 1000 NE Colbern Road Lee's Summit, MO 64086
MCPL East Lee's Summit, 2240 SE Blue Parkway Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
MCPL Lee's Summit, 150 NW Oldham Pkwy. Lee's Summit, MO 64081
MCPL Farview Neighborhood Library, 18109 E 12th St N, Independence, MO 64056
MCPL North Independence, 317 W. 24 Hwy. Independence, MO 64050
MCPL South Independence Branch, 13700 E. 35th St. South, Independence, MO 64055

Kiosk Coming Soon: MCPL East Independence Branch, 4505 Little Blue Parkway
              Independence, MO 64057

Other Community Locations:
Don Bosco Center, 580 Campbell St. Kansas City, MO 64106
Mt. Sinai Baptist Church, 3635 Brooklyn Ave Kansas City, MO 64109
Calvary Community Wellness Center, 3002 Holmes Kansas City, MO 64109

The Libraries with Heart initiative complements the American Heart Association’s Getting to the Heart of Stroke™ initiative, developed in collaboration with and supported by HCA Midwest Health and the HCA Healthcare Foundation. This program focuses on addressing local barriers to health equity in Kansas City, aiming to improve health outcomes through blood pressure awareness.

“Knowledge and management of heart-related risk factors are critical in reducing the likelihood of strokes, especially among populations facing health disparities,” said Laura Lopez, Executive Director of the American Heart Association. “This connection between heart and brain health is central to our mission, and we are proud to partner with HCA Midwest Health to enhance community health.”

“Mid-Continent Public Library is committed to promoting health and wellness in our communities,” said Aaron B. Mason, Director and CEO of Mid-Continent Public Library. "Having personally benefited from the early detection of high blood pressure, I can attest to the importance of empowering our patrons to take proactive steps in managing their health. We are proud to collaborate with the American Heart Association on this important initiative."

Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and a leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the United States. Blood pressure numbers below 120/80 mm Hg are considered normal. Individuals with elevated blood pressure should consult their primary physician promptly to determine next steps.

“By partnering with the American Heart Association, we’re working to create a healthier community,” said Keith Zimmerman, President of HCA Midwest Health. “This initiative is vital in our ongoing efforts to promote health equity right here in Kanas City.”

Participating locations provide educational materials on heart health, encouraging patrons to learn about managing their blood pressure and understanding cardiovascular risk factors.

For more information about the Libraries with Heart initiative, please visit www.heart.org/kansas.

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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 nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

About HCA Healthcare
Nashville-based HCA Healthcare is one of the nation’s leading providers of healthcare services comprising 182 hospitals and approximately 2,300 ambulatory sites of care, including surgery centers, freestanding ERs, urgent care centers, and physician clinics, in 20 states and the United Kingdom. With its founding in 1968, HCA Healthcare created a new model for hospital care in the United States, using combined resources to strengthen hospitals, deliver patient-focused care and improve the practice of medicine. HCA Healthcare has conducted a number of clinical studies, including one that demonstrated that full-term delivery is healthier than early elective delivery of babies and another that identified a clinical protocol that can reduce bloodstream infections in ICU patients by 44%. HCA Healthcare is a learning health system that uses its more than 35 million annual patient encounters to advance science, improve patient care and save lives. Please click here to connect with HCA Healthcare on social media.

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 HCA Midwest Health 
As the Kansas City area’s leading healthcare provider, HCA Midwest Health consists of seven hospitals and dozens of outpatient centers, clinics, physician practices, surgery centers and an array of other facilities and services to meet area residents’ healthcare needs. HCA Midwest Health is one of the area’s largest private-sector employers, with more than 10,000 employees, and the largest provider of charity and uncompensated care. Each year, we provide nearly $1 million to local charities. Annually, HCA Midwest Health invests capital to enhance and expand patient services and last year paid more than $115 million in taxes, which may go to the improvement of schools, roads, and infrastructure in the communities we serve. HCA Midwest Health facilities include Belton Regional Medical Center, Centerpoint Medical Center, Lafayette Regional Health Center, Lee's Summit Medical Center, Menorah Medical Center, Overland Park Regional Medical Center, Research Medical Center and Research Psychiatric Center. Midwest Physicians, which is part of HCA Midwest Health, is a network of experienced, multi-specialty physicians located throughout the Greater Kansas City metropolitan area. Currently Midwest Physicians represents 600+ providers. It includes 80+ specialties, providing care in 150+ locations to serve our community. The physicians, licensed professionals and support staff who comprise the HCA Midwest Health team are dedicated to improving healthcare in the Greater Kansas City and outlying areas to create healthier communities that lead to healthier tomorrows. For more information, visit www.hcamidwest.com.

American Heart Association
DeEtta Lee, Communications Director
DeEtta.Lee@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org