New program empowers Upper Valley residents to control high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke 

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American Heart Association provides blood pressure equipment to several public libraries in Vermont and New Hampshire 

They’ve always been a resource center for the community, and a new program in the Upper Valley is letting libraries add one more important asset to their lending opportunities: blood pressure cuffs.   

High blood pressure is often referred to as “the silent killer.” Since it frequently has no symptoms, many people don’t know they have it. Several local libraries recently joined the American Heart Association – with the support of an anonymous donor – to make it easier for their patrons to keep track of their blood pressure to assess their risk of a heart attack or stroke.   

“We are excited to share the American Heart Association’s blood pressure education and resources with local libraries,” said Brian Shankey, executive director for the American Heart Association in Northern New England. “Blood pressure is a leading risk factor for heart disease which is the Upper Valley’s leading cause of death. Since high blood pressure often has no symptoms, there are very likely many people in our area with undiagnosed high blood pressure. Knowledge is power and we’re so glad these local libraries have joined this initiative that will help prevent death and disability from both heart disease and stroke.”  

Currently, the following libraries in the Upper Valley have blood pressure cuffs for library patrons to borrow to track their own blood pressure:

  • Bradford Public Library, Vermont
  • Etna Library, New Hampshire
  • Howe Library, New Hampshire
  • Kilton Public Library, New Hampshire
  • Lebanon Public Library, New Hampshire
  • Quechee Public Library, Vermont 
  • Wilder Club & Library, Vermont 

These loaner cuffs are helpful for people to see their blood pressure over a period of a week or two, especially if their doctor wants numbers from a range of days to confirm a diagnosis or to monitor the effects of a medication or lifestyle change. Most of the libraries will also have on-site stations where patrons can measure their blood pressure right at the library.  

Libraries will have educational materials to share with patrons so they can learn more about blood pressure and how to take their own blood pressure with these user-friendly cuffs. Please check with your local library to find out which services they offer. 

“We are grateful to be able to continue providing tools for information access to our community,” said Michaela Lavelle, director of the Quechee/Wilder Libraries. “At their core, libraries are information hubs. While books are a major part of that, community members can find an expansive assortment of information tools in the library at their disposal, including, now, blood pressure cuffs.” 

Libraries will be added to this initiative on a rolling basis.

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