Sacramento, Calif., June 25, 2026 - Patrons across more than 50 rural California libraries will now be able to access tools to check their blood pressure and manage a major risk factor for heart attack and stroke. The resources are available as part of Libraries with Heart by the American Heart Association, devoted to a healthier future for all. Library card holders will also have the option to borrow blood pressure monitoring kits for at home measurement the same way they check out a book at select libraries. "Libraries are a trusted source of information in rural communities across California," said Rebecca Wendt, Deputy State Librarian with the California State Library. "Because high blood pressure is a major health concern, people can now access tools and information that support heart health through rural libraries across the state.
Sacramento, Calif., June 25, 2026 - Patrons across more than 50 rural California libraries will now be able to access tools to check their blood pressure and manage a major risk factor for heart attack and stroke. The resources are available as part of Libraries with Heart by the American Heart Association, devoted to a healthier future for all. Library card holders will also have the option to borrow blood pressure monitoring kits for at home measurement the same way they check out a book at select libraries.
"Libraries are a trusted source of information in rural communities across California," said Rebecca Wendt, Deputy State Librarian with the California State Library. "Because high blood pressure is a major health concern, people can now access tools and information that support heart health through rural libraries across the state. Participating libraries provide access to blood pressure cuffs, along with American Heart Association resources that explain how to measure blood pressure correctly, understand readings, and connect with local care providers for follow-up care."
High blood pressure is known as the silent killer because usually it has no symptoms. The only way to know if someone has high blood pressure is to get it checked, according to the American Heart Association. Almost half of U.S. adults - 47.3% - have high blood pressure 1 , increasing their risk for heart attack, stroke or kidney disease. These poor health outcomes can potentially be avoided if high blood pressure is managed. Unfortunately, many people are not even aware that their blood pressure is elevated and 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 for those who need them.
"Managing blood pressure should feel simple and within reach for everyone," said Alan Shatzel, Jr., DO, MBA, FAASM, American Heart Association volunteer medical expert and Western States Board of Directors President Elect. "Libraries with Heart connects Californians to essential health tools and reliable information at a trusted and accessible place. This allows users to take meaningful steps toward better health and reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke."
The Libraries with Heart program can be found in the following counties serving rural California residents. Visit https://www.heart.org/en/affiliates/california/california-libraries-with-heart to see exact locations.
Through the non-profit Califa, twenty-five libraries in 52 locations in rural areas of California are participating in Libraries with Heart, as part of the Rural Health Connections Project which is supported in whole or in part by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian.
Many other libraries throughout Californian are also participating in the American Heart Association's Libraries with Heart program. Contact your local library to find out if they participate in Libraries with Heart.
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 California, find the American Heart Association at heart.org/NorthernCalifornia or heart.org/SouthernCalifornia or on Facebook ( Northern California and Southern California) X and Instagram ( Northern California and Southern California ).
Tulare County Library - Exeter Branch patron, Maralou Higgins, sticks her arm through the blood pressure measurment kiosk at the library.
Maralou Higgins, a Tulare County Library - Exeter Branch patron, sits at a table in the library and sticks her arm through the blood pressure measurment kiosk.
San Benito Library patron Edward Smith reviews blood pressure chart after taking a blood pressure reading.
Blood Pressure Categories Infographic describing the corresponding blood pressure readings between normal and hypertensive crisis.
Categorías de presión arterial Infografía (JPEG) - Accessible Spanish PDF