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Jul 01, 2025

The American Heart Association adds more Libraries with Heart locations at San Diego City Libraries | American Heart Association

SAN DIEGO, Calif., June 30, 2025 — High blood pressure is a major health threat. Nearly half of adults in the United States have the condition, and many are unaware. The San Diego community now has

SAN DIEGO, Calif., June 30, 2025 — High blood pressure is a major health threat. Nearly half of adults in the United States have the condition, and many are unaware. The San Diego community now has more access to vital health resources to help them control high blood pressure thanks to the American Heart Association’s Libraries with Heart Program. The program allowing library patrons to check out self-measured blood pressure kits is a part of the Heart Association’s mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.

Libraries with Heart recently expanded within the San Diego City Library system to the Mira Mesa and San Ysidro library branches. The Association worked with Medvantx, Inc to expand this initiative to these two additional branches. Expanding Libraries with Heart empowers community members to manage high blood pressure and know their numbers. Regular measurement of blood pressure outside of a doctor’s office helps ensure patients are diagnosed more accurately. Self-monitoring is also associated with a reduction in blood pressure numbers, improved blood pressure control and significantly lowers the risk of severe health consequences. Each blood pressure monitoring kits includes a clinically validated blood pressure device and cuff, educational handouts in English, Spanish, Arabic, Tagalog, Korean, Traditional Chinese and Hindi, blood pressure tracking sheets and referrals to community resources.

“San Diego Public Library is excited to continue our collaboration with Libraries with Heart and the American Heart Association to promote a heart-healthy San Diego,” said Library Department Director Misty Jones. “Communities rely on libraries for much more than books, and we’re proud to expand our offering and increase accessibility to these lifesaving devices.”

The initiative aims to improve access to vital resources and reduce barriers to care. Many people are unaware of the conditions. Left uncontrolled, high blood pressure can lead to heart attack, kidney disease or failure, stroke or other health threats. Despite these risks, hypertension awareness and control rates remain alarmingly low, particularly among Black, Hispanic and Indigenous communities, where health disparities contribute to worse outcomes.

“High blood pressure is often called a silent killer because it usually has no symptoms. The best way to know your blood pressure is to ask your health care professional to measure it at least once a year and to regularly monitor at home,” said Debbie Day, Chair of the American Heart Association San Diego Board of Directors. “The Libraries with Heart program gives patients the ability to take control of their health and create a treatment plan that fits their lifestyle.”

The Libraries with Heart program is also available at the Mission Valley branch and Grossmont Healthcare District’s Health & Wellness Library.

For more information about blood pressure and how to improve heart health, visit heart.org/southerncalifornia.

Additional Resources:

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Learn more at Heart.org/bp

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About the American Heart AssociationThe American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org/southerncalifornia, Facebook, Instagram and X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

For Media Inquiries:

Erika Cervantes-Aarons: [email protected]

For Public Inquiries:1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org

Local teammates host a blood pressure education booth at the San Diego City Library in Mira Mesa as part of the Libraries with Heart program. Branches can now checkout blood pressure monitoring kits to local patrons!

copyright American Heart Association

Local teammates host a blood pressure education booth at the San Diego City Library in Mira Mesa as part of the Libraries with Heart program. Branches can now checkout blood pressure monitoring kits to local patrons!

copyright American Heart Association

Please see AHA/ASA Multimedia Materials Usage Policy.

Libraries with Heart table display featuring a blood pressure monitor and educational materials.

copyright American Heart Association

Libraries with Heart table display featuring a blood pressure monitor and educational materials.

copyright American Heart Association

Please see AHA/ASA Multimedia Materials Usage Policy.