34.6% of Delawareans have hypertension (or high blood pressure), which is the leading cause of stroke. The state of Delaware has the 4th largest rate of mortality from stroke in the entire US. The American Heart Association has gathered a group of advocates, hospital and private practice representatives, like-minded nonprofit organizations, physicians, and nurses to form the Delaware Hypertension Control Network. The group’s priority is to achieve more than 70% or greater hypertension control across Delaware by 2024.
As part of the Delaware Hypertension Control Network, the American Heart Association has partnered with Delaware Libraries to provide each public library with several Omron Blood Pressure Monitors. This program allows the public to “check out” free blood pressure cuffs for up to 3 weeks for self monitoring purposes. The monitors are easy to operate and read and include:
- Monitor
- Cuff
- User manual
- Blood pressure pamphlet
- Carrying case
- Batteries
The goal of this program is to remove all barriers to accessable self-monitoring equipment so that members of the community can take the first step towards monitoring and controlling their own blood pressure. To find out where to pick up your monitoring kit, visit spr.ly/1597