(TUMWATER, WA) —Timberland Regional Library is excited to announce that in collaboration with the American Heart Association, Blood Pressure Kits are now available for check out through TRL’s Library of Things. These kits are part of a project called Libraries with Heart which aims to provide residents of Southwest Washington with tools and information to support healthier blood pressure readings. The project is supported by MultiCare Health System.
Library patrons may visit any of the following branches and Anywhere Library stops to check out a kit: Aberdeen, Amanda Park, Ocean Park, Elma, Montesano, Mountain View, Packwood, Raymond, Salkum, South Bend, Tenino, and Winlock, and Westport Timberland Libraries. The at home blood pressure monitoring kits include an American Heart Association validated blood pressure device and cuff, an instruction booklet which outlines how to properly take blood pressure readings at home, information on what readings mean and steps individuals can take to move their blood pressure numbers into a healthier range.
“One of the American Heart Association’s goals is to advance cardiovascular health for all, and that includes increasing access to health care in rural communities,” said Cherish Hart, vice president of community impact, American Heart Association, Washington. “Timberland Regional Library serves 29 locations across Southwest Washington and many smaller towns. Through this collaboration we are excited to increase access to blood pressure measurement tools and information and connect those with elevated blood pressure readings to additional support through a referral to Valley View Health Centers, if a library patron does not have an existing medical provider. We hope this program will serve as a model to other communities in the future.”
Borrow
- Kits may be checked out for three (3) weeks.
- Borrowers are responsible for all contents: blood pressure cuff, instructions.
- Call or check our catalog online before you visit to see if the kit is available.
Learn with the American Heart Association
- Watch how to correctly take your blood pressure at home
- Understand your blood pressure results
- Learn ways to manage your blood pressure
Return
- Return home blood pressure kits to any
- Return kits inside the library. Please do not use outside book return drops.
- Blood pressure cuff must be returned in its case, with all contents present.
- Fees will be assessed if a kit is not returned, is damaged, or is returned incomplete.
“The at home blood pressure monitoring kits are a perfect fit for our Library of Things which contains a wide variety of items at no cost for people to try. Our goal with our Library of Things is to provide barrier-free access to items that enhance health and well-being, whether through assistive, environmental, or mental health supportive resources.” said Andrea Heisel, Content and Access Director, Timberland Regional Library. “We are grateful to the American Heart Association and its generous donors to the Libraries with Heart initiative for making this collaboration possible.”
About Timberland Regional Library
Timberland Regional Library provides for the entertainment, information, and lifelong learning needs of Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston County residents at 29 community public libraries locations. The library system is funded mainly by local property taxes, timber tax, fundraising efforts of TRL Friends of the Library, and generous donations by individual supporters.
All Timberland library programs are free and open to the public. Anyone needing special accommodations to participate in a library's programs may contact the library one week in advance.
For more information visit TRL.org
Connect with Us
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates and announcements.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Rose Enos-Weedmark
renosweedmark@trl.org
360-943-5001
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. To reach the American Heart Association in Washington visit heart.org/Washington or on Facebook, Instagram or X.
For media inquiries:
Francesca Minas, francesca.minas@heart.org or (206) 683-6226
Valerie Koch, valerie.koch@heart.org or (206) 915-4084
