The Santa Ana Public Library (SAPL) will showcase new blood pressure kits donated by the American Heart Association during a health resource fair on Saturday, Aug. 12.<\/p>\n
As the American Heart Association\u2019s first Libraries with Heart partner in Orange County, SAPL is proud to offer support to community members focusing on their health journey. The blood pressure kits will be available for the public to check out as part of its Library of Things collection.<\/p>\n
\u201cPublic Libraries are important community partners when it comes to improving health literacy,\u201d Library Services Director Brian Sternberg said. \u201cThe Santa Ana Public Library is proud to partner with the American Heart Association to make health equity a priority in Santa Ana.\u201d<\/p>\n
The health resource fair, called Libraries with Heart: A Healthy Start to a New School Year, is offered in partnership with the American Heart Association and the Orange County Health Care Agency. The health fair will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Santa Ana Public Library, 26 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana. The event is free and open to all ages.<\/p>\n
By making life-saving devices, like blood pressure monitors, more accessible to the public, SAPL continues to expand its efforts to improve the lives of individuals, families and the community as a whole.<\/p>\n
According to the American Heart Association, Nearly half of U.S. adults have high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart attacks, strokes, and other health issues, including dementia and kidney disease. In Orange County, 26.8% of adults have been diagnosed with high blood pressure. More than two-thirds of people with uncontrolled high blood pressure are impacted by structural inequities that limit their access to health care.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is a high prevalence of high blood pressure, but most individuals don\u2019t know they have it,\u201d said American Heart Association OC Board President, Pranav M. Patel, MD., Chief, Division of Cardiology, UC Irvine. \u201cBy having blood pressure kits accessible to library patrons, we are meeting people where they are with resources to encourage regular blood pressure checks, better hypertension management and healthy habits.\u201d<\/p>\n