High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, remains a significant public health concern across Delaware County and the Philadelphia region. In Delaware County, an estimated 32.6% of adults are living with high blood pressure, underscoring the urgent need for increased awareness, prevention and access to care.
Often referred to as the “silent killer,” high blood pressure can develop without noticeable symptoms, allowing individuals to go about their daily lives unaware of the damage being done to their bodies. For many, the first sign of a problem may be a life-changing event such as a heart attack or stroke. Understanding and monitoring blood pressure numbers is critical — not only for identifying and treating high blood pressure but also for preventing serious cardiovascular complications before they occur.
The burden of high blood pressure is not shared equally, with Black and Hispanic communities experience disproportionately higher rates of hypertension and related health complications compared to other populations. In the city, the disparities are especially pronounced in neighborhoods throughout Northwest and Southwest Philadelphia. Behind every statistic is a person, a family and a community impacted by reduced quality of life, preventable illness and premature death. These disparities are often connected to barriers such as inadequate access to healthcare services and challenges in connecting residents to clinical care and community resources.
Addressing these challenges requires innovative community-based solutions and one unexpected but highly effective partner has emerged: public libraries.
Libraries have long served as trusted community hubs where residents can access books, technology, educational programs and a variety of essential services. Increasingly, they are also becoming important access points for health and wellness resources. Through collaboration between the American Heart Association, Greater Philadelphia, Delaware County Health Department and local libraries from the Delaware County Libraries, the Libraries with Heart Initiative was launched at the J. Lewis Crozer Library, Helen Kaye Furness Free Library and Yeadon Public Library.
Each participating library now features a self-service blood pressure screening station available during regular business hours. These stations allow patrons to conveniently check their blood pressure, learn proper positioning techniques, watch educational videos and access information about hypertension prevention and management. Based on screening results, patrons can also receive referrals to local health centers and social service organizations for follow-up care and support.
To further strengthen community access, nurses and healthcare volunteers from Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic and ChesPenn Health Services visit the participating libraries each month to assist with screenings, answer questions and provide additional health education. These engagements help bridge the gap between community members and healthcare professional, creating opportunities for early intervention and ongoing support.
The initiative also extends beyond the library walls. As easy as checking out a book, patrons who wish to monitor their blood pressure regularly can check out blood pressure monitors using their library cards. Library staff members have completed train-the-trainer sessions to ensure they can provide basic instruction on proper device use. Participants receive educational materials and guidance on next steps, including recommendations to consult a healthcare professional if they have concerns about their readings. Referral resources are available for individuals who need assistance in establishing care with a healthcare professional.
This program arrives at a critical time. Delaware County, like many communities across the country, has experienced the loss of healthcare facilities and services, creating significant challenges for residents seeking preventive care and chronic disease management. As healthcare access becomes increasingly limited, community-based solutions become even more essential. By bringing health resources directly into trusted community spaces, libraries are helping fill an important gap and making cardiovascular health management more accessible for everyone.
The Libraries with Heart Initiative demonstrates how community partnerships can play a vital role in improving public health. By empowering residents to know their numbers, providing education and resources, and connecting people to care, libraries are becoming more than places of learning — they are becoming centers for equitable health, prevention and community well-being. With nearly one in three Delaware County adults affected by high blood pressure, initiatives like this are helping ensure that lifesaving health information and resources are available where people already live, learn and gather.
Schedule of Library Screening and Referral
- J. Lewis Crozer Library, 620 Engle St, Chester, PA 19013
- First Tuesdays from 2:00–3:00 p.m.
- Screening and referral conducted by volunteers from ChesPenn Health Services
- Helen Kaye Furness Free Library, 100 N Providence Rd, Wallingford, PA 19086
- Second Mondays from 10:30–11:30 a.m.
- Screening and referral conducted by volunteers from Delaware County Health Department Personal Health
- Yeadon Public Library, 809 Longacre Blvd, Yeadon, PA 19050
- Third Thursdays from 2:00–3:00 p.m.
- Screening and referral conducted by volunteers from Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic