DELAVAN, WI, Oct. 1, 2025 – For the first time, visitors to a Walworth County library will be able to check their blood pressure numbers on site or at home through the American Heart Association’s Libraries with Heart program.
The program, which now is available in 19 libraries in Southeastern Wisconsin, officially rolled out last week at the Aram Public Library, which is temporarily housed during a construction project at 830 E. Geneva St., Suite B.
Construction at Aram’s permanent site, 404 E. Walworth St., is expected to be completed in late 2026/early 2027.
“It is our great pleasure to work with the American Heart Association’s ‘Libraries with Heart’ program,” Aram Public Library Director Michelle Carter said. “This program offers tremendous resources for our community members through blood pressure kits that can be checked out or in using the blood pressure monitor on site.
“Providing access to fun, discovery materials but also resources to aid in personal health is a valuable asset to our community.”
Following last week’s rollout, which was guided by Milwaukee American Heart Association Community Impact Director Zach Metrou, visitors to Aram will have access to a kit that will include American Heart Association-guided materials, such as a validated monitor and cuff. Included in the educational materials are instructions about how to take your blood pressure at home, what those numbers mean, a log for recording numbers and a list of local health care providers ready to answer questions.
All the materials also are available in both English and Spanish. (https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings/monitoring-your-blood-pressure-at-home).
The link to additional medical resources is a crucial part of this program and access to qualified medical advice is addressed in the kits as well. Library staff can assist with technical aspects of the kits, but they will leave the medical advice to the professionals. Anyone who has more questions after taking their blood pressure at home is directed to their primary physician or a local clinic listed inside the kit.
“We are so excited to bring our ‘Libraries with Heart’ program to Walworth County for the first time,” Metrou said. “By working together with the library, and our many collaborators, we are providing life-saving education and resources to patrons at the center of community gathering spaces. Knowing your personal blood pressure numbers is a huge step toward taking heart health into your own hands. It is free for any adult to check out a kit, practice and learn more about their blood pressure.”
Aram joins previous libraries in Southeastern Wisconsin: Racine, Waukesha, Menomonee Falls, Germantown and 14 locations in the Milwaukee Public Library system. Racine was the first, as it debuted in 2022.
According to the American Heart Association, nearly half of American adults (about 120 million people) have high blood pressure, or hypertension, which can lead to serious health consequences such as stroke, heart disease, kidney disease, vision loss and sexual dysfunction if left untreated. The best way to know if you have high blood pressure is to check it and talk about it with your health care provider.
High blood pressure commonly is known as the “silent killer,” because as many as 36% of patients with uncontrolled high blood pressure are not aware of their condition. (https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/why-high-blood-pressure-is-a-silent-killer).
Blood pressure numbers of less than 120/80 mm Hg are considered within the normal range. If your results fall into this category, stick with heart-healthy habits like following a balanced diet and getting regular exercise. People with elevated blood pressure are likely to develop high blood pressure unless steps are taken to control the condition.
Aram Board President Linda Zell echoed Carter’s sentiments about the excitement of having the program available for their patrons.
“The advantage of having access to a personal blood pressure kit will help individuals detect a blood pressure issue before it can do serious damage,” she said. “This kind of device gives the user control of their own health and peace of mind.”
For more blood pressure information, visit www.heart.org.
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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.
For Media Inquiries:
Dan Truttschel: dan.truttschel@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
