Starting this month, Cole Public Library will have a blood pressure cuff available for patrons to check out and use at the library.

An American Heart Association initiative, “Libraries with Heart” is a nation-wide program partnering with local libraries to raise awareness of heart attack and stroke prevention and provide access to medical equipment.

Cole Public Library patrons will soon be able to check out kits at the first-floor circulation desk that include a blood pressure cuff, instructions on accurate usage, blood pressure logs, and information on understanding blood pressure numbers. A table and comfortable chair will be available at the quiet end of the first floor where patrons may use the cuff.

Patrons will need to sign a waiver before using the cuff. The American Heart Association reports that almost half of American adults have high blood pressure and nearly half of those are unaware of their condition. Cole Public Library is excited to host “Libraries with Heart” and provide this important program to our community.