“Libraries with Heart” program grows to include more libraries and more services
Orlando, Fla.- Feb. 26, 2025 — As Central Florida’s Libraries with Heart program grows, so does community access to vital health resources. The American Heart Association (AHA) and the Association’s Together to End Stroke sponsor, the HCA Healthcare Foundation, have expanded their unique library partnership — empowering more people to monitor their own blood pressure, increasing access to blood pressure monitors and educating communities about heart-healthy habits.
“Ensuring health equity is at the heart of our mission. By providing self-monitored blood pressure cuffs to our community, we empower everyone to take control of their heart health. This initiative is crucial in bridging the gap in healthcare access, allowing individuals to detect potential issues early and make informed decisions,” says Jimmy Clarity, vice president of community impact for the American Heart Association.
In 2022, the American Heart Association, the HCA Healthcare Foundation, HCA Florida Healthcare and Orange County Library System (OCLS) worked together to bring Libraries with Heart to Central Florida, offering blood pressure monitoring kits for checkout at 11 OCLS locations and two Osceola County Library branches. The program has expanded and now includes nine Brevard County libraries and two Seminole County Public Library locations. Library cardholders in the four counties can check out a blood pressure monitoring kit to self-measure their blood pressure, access simple health literature and receive referrals to affordable clinics should they need continued care. The materials are available in both English and Spanish.
“Through our longstanding partnership with the American Heart Association, we continue to seek creative and innovative ways to provide needed health resources to our community,” said Wendy Brandon, CEO of UCF Lake Nona Hospital, part of HCA Florida Healthcare, and chairperson of the 2025 Greater Orlando Heart Walk. “We are honored to support Libraries with Heart, which brings tools and information to prevent and manage heart disease to neighbors in need throughout Central Florida.”
In 2024, AHA and HCA Florida Healthcare worked with Orange County Library System to evolve their Libraries with Heart program to include the development of a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan and Protocol – specific steps to reduce death from cardiac arrest should someone in one of the library buildings have a heart-health crisis. Additionally, 54 OCLS staff members were certified in the AHA curriculum HeartSaver® Total which includes first aid, CPR and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) training. Now every OCLS location has trained staff in this important lifesaving skill. With a generous donation from UCF Lake Nona Hospital, AEDs were purchased for all 15 Orange County library locations.
“We are proud to have entered a new phase in supporting community health with support from the American Heart Association and HCA Florida Healthcare,” said OCLS Director and CEO Steve Powell. “This is an important partnership and our team is equipped, trained and prepared to respond if someone has a heart health crisis in one of our buildings.”
High blood pressure is a leading cause of both heart disease and stroke. It’s often referred to as the “silent killer” because it can do damage to a person’s health without any symptoms. It can lead to cardiovascular disease which is the number one cause of death in the United States. Cardiovascular disease accounts for approximately one out of every five deaths in Florida. The American Heart Association’s Greater Orlando Community Impact team and HCA Florida Healthcare are working to bring Libraries with Heart to libraries across Central Florida to educate more people on heart-healthy habits.
About the American Heart Association
The 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, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
About HCA Florida Healthcare
HCA Florida Healthcare, a part of HCA Healthcare, is a family of more than 650 affiliated sites of care, including hospitals, physician practices, freestanding emergency rooms and urgent care centers. United as a statewide network in 2022, HCA Florida Healthcare includes approximately 11,100 experienced doctors and more than 84,000 colleagues working together to deliver equitable, evidence-based collaborative care through more than 11.6 million patient encounters each year. HCA Florida Healthcare is committed to improving more lives in more ways and giving back to the communities it serves. The network provides more than $903 million in uncompensated care and contributes nearly $2.2 million to community organizations across the state. In addition, HCA Florida Healthcare offers patients access to highly-trained specialists, including the state’s largest cardiovascular network. A strong advocate for the next generation of healthcare professionals, HCA Florida Healthcare is also a major supporter of university-based healthcare programs and residencies and fellowships throughout the Sunshine State. For more information, please visit HCAFloridaHealthcare.com.
About HCA Healthcare Foundation
The mission of the HCA Healthcare Foundation is to promote health and well-being and strive to make a positive impact in all the communities HCA Healthcare serves. We accomplish this mission by providing leadership, service and financial support to effective non-profit organizations working individually and collectively.
About Orange County Library System
Orange County Library System’s (OCLS) mission is to add to quality of life by creating a learning environment and experiences that foster personal growth and development for the more than 1.4 million residents of Orange County, Fla. With 15 branches and a vast network of online resources, OCLS engages customers in amazing experiences and opportunities to learn, explore and create. From cutting edge technology and inventive fiber arts to enriching storytimes and bestselling author events, OCLS brings innovative resources to more than 4 million visitors in branches and beyond. For more information about the Orange County Library system, visit ocls.org. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
For Media Inquiries:
American Heart Association: Emory Parkins emory.parkins@heart.org
HCA Healthcare North Florida Division: Victoria Heller Victoria.Heller@hcahealthcare.com
Orange County Library System: Leigh Andrus landrus@ocls.org
