Blood pressure monitors now available as part of the Libraries with Heart program from the American Heart Association
Yreka, California, 4/24/2026 —Patrons who visit any Siskiyou County Library will now be able 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.
“Libraries are an amazing source of resources. We know that high blood pressure is a major health threat and now our community can find tools at their local library to help them manage their heart health,” said Teresa Johnson, County Librarian. “In addition to blood pressure cuffs, the library also provides American Heart Association information on how to properly measure blood pressure at home, an explanation of what blood pressure numbers mean and a contact list of care providers who will provide follow-up to anyone who needs it.”
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, 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.
“Libraries with Heart helps to break down barriers to health care so that everyone has the opportunity to live a longer, healthier life,” said Johnson. “Together with Siskiyou County Library, the American Heart Association aims to empower individuals in Siskiyou to take control of their health and ultimately save lives from heart disease and stroke.”
Through the non-profit Califa, twenty-four libraries in 49 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.
To learn more about blood pressure, visit www.heart.org/BP.
Additional Resources:
- Multimedia available on the left side of this release
- 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Update Fact Sheet At-a-Glance
- Web resource: High Blood Pressure | American Heart Association
- Web resource: Understanding Blood Pressure Readings | American Heart Association
