GERMANTOWN, WI, April 3, 2025 – The Milwaukee American Heart Association’s “Libraries with Heart” initiative continues to grow – and with the recent addition of the Germantown Community Library, there are now 18 sites in Southeastern Wisconsin with screen-and-refer blood pressure hubs.
The Germantown location, N112W16957 Mequon Road, unveiled the program during American Heart Month in February. In just weeks since its debut, the stationary monitor was used 30 times and the portable unit was checked out twice, according to Adult Service Librarian Lynn Ratzmann.
Germantown joins 14 locations within the Milwaukee Public Library System, along with three previous sites in Menomonee Falls, Waukesha and Racine, which all have debuted since 2022.
“Germantown Community Library is very excited to support our community’s health needs by partnering with the AHA to provide a convenient way to check blood pressure,” Adult Services Librarian Lynn Ratzmann said.
“The relationship between the library and the AHA has meant our organizations are able to demonstrate to the community our commitment to health and service in a new and important way.”
Patrons who visit the Germantown Community Library will be able to access 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.
For more about the library, including its hours of operation, visit https://germantownlibrarywi.org/.
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 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 at the Germantown Community Library,” American Heart Association Community Impact Senior Director Susan Hjelsand 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. We are very excited to see the libraries add this resource to their shelves. 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.”
According to the American Heart Association, nearly half of American adults (about 120 million people) have high blood pressure, or hypertension, which can lead deadly 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.
For more blood pressure information, visit www.heart.org.
###
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter 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
