Birmingham Public Library Expands Blood Pressure Kit Checkouts to All 17 Library Locations

 

Blood pressure kits can now be checked out at all 17 Birmingham Public Library locations.

Mr. Floyd, a Woodlawn community resident, recently checked out the first blood pressure kit at Woodlawn Branch Library. 

Birmingham, Ala. — Do you need to get your blood pressure under control? Thanks to a collaboration with the American Heart Association, patrons can now use their library card at all 17 Birmingham Public Library (BPL) locations to check out blood pressure kits to monitor their health at home.

The kits were made available through the American Heart Association’s “Libraries With Heart” initiative. Previously, the blood pressure kits were available at only five BPL locations since the program began in August 2023: Central, Five Points West, Springville Road, North Birmingham and Avondale. Expanding the program citywide is part of BPL’s ongoing mission of transforming lives across Birmingham and helping residents stay healthy.

The blood pressure kits available for checkout from BPL include:

• A blood pressure cuff and monitor
• Easy-to-read instructions on how to use the cuff
• Educational materials about high blood pressure and local health resources

According to the Alabama Department of Public Health, high blood pressure is often called “the silent killer” because it usually has no warning signs or symptoms until serious health problems develop. In 2024, the Alabama Department of Health reported that 42 percent of Alabamians had high blood pressure, increasing the risk for heart disease and stroke, two of the leading causes of death in the state.

Kim Baldwin, Vice President of Community Impact for the American Heart Association in Greater Birmingham, said having blood pressure kits available for checkout at all Birmingham Public Library locations will help improve the health of area residents.

“By making blood pressure monitor kits available at Birmingham Public Library locations, we are helping remove barriers to health access and empowering residents to take an active role in managing their health,” Baldwin said. “Libraries are trusted community spaces, and this partnership allows us to meet people where they are while increasing awareness around heart health and the importance of knowing your numbers.”

The mission of Birmingham Public Library is to provide the highest quality experience for lifelong learning, cultural enrichment, and enjoyment. BPL Deputy Director Ka'ryn Davis-West says supporting community well-being is a natural extension of that work.  

“Through our partnership with the American Heart Association’s ‘Libraries with Heart Loaner Blood Pressure Monitor Program,’ patrons can take home a blood pressure kit just as they would a book, using it privately and on their own schedule. This makes health monitoring more accessible, while reinforcing the library’s role as a trusted, everyday resource for our community.”

The blood pressure kits available for checkout from BPL include:

• A blood pressure cuff and monitor
• Easy-to-read instructions on how to use the cuff
• Educational materials about high blood pressure and local health resources

Checking out the kits allows patrons to regularly monitor their blood pressure at home and become more aware of their heart health. Additional information about monitoring blood pressure at home is available through the American Heart Association Blood Pressure Monitoring Guide.

Important Things to Know About Checking Out BPL Blood Pressure Kits

• Patrons must be Birmingham residents to check out the blood pressure kits.
• A limited number of kits are available at each location. Patrons are encouraged to place holds or reserves on kits.
• Blood pressure kits may be checked out for two weeks.
• Blood pressure kits are now available at all 17 Birmingham Public Library locations.

For more information about BPL resources and programs, visit www.cobpl.org or follow our Birmingham Public Library social media pages.

Written by Roy L. Williams, Public Relations Specialist  - Birmingham Public Library