Improving Heart Health in Metro Atlanta Through Innovative Practices
Abstract
BACKGROUND
High blood pressure is the leading cause of heart disease and stroke, with heart disease ranking as the No. 1 killer in Metro Atlanta and Georgia accounting for over 22,000 deaths each year.1 Fulton County, Georgia accounts for 10% of the state’s population, and accounts for nearly 8% of heart disease related deaths.2-3 Fulton County is also the largest populated county in Georgia, with over one million residents. Realizing the critical need for innovation in addressing this chronic disease, the American Heart Association of Metro Atlanta connected with the Fulton County Library System regarding avenues to offer the Libraries with Heart initiative.
METHODS
The Libraries with Heart Initiative is designed to equip community members with education, equipment and resources, to improve blood pressure control, heart health and overall well-being. The Fulton County Library System includes 34 branches. After strategizing with leadership, 17 branches were selected for the initiative.
For the initiative, Metro Atlanta designed blood pressure signage and created a Blood Pressure Toolkit in three versions: English, Spanish and dual English-Spanish. Branches receive two blood pressure kits (available for check out) and one blood pressure hub (stationary kit). The toolkits contain a blood pressure device, information on accurate blood pressure measurements, local healthcare sites and resources for support services. To ensure inclusivity, the Georgia Library Service for blind and print disabled patrons was included as a branch and provided with blood pressure devices featuring audio capabilities.
RESULTS
In May 2024, marking Georgia’s first offering, Libraries with Heart launched with the Fulton County Library System. This initiative provides blood pressure resources and continuum of care linkages for more than 56,400 individuals. Branches have reported high usage of the kits.
CONCLUSIONS
The AHA Metro Atlanta team realizes forging new relationships and incorporating innovation in programming are essential to achieving health equity.
Keywords
heart health, chronic disease, equity, innovation, library system
Conflict of Interest Form
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Improving Heart Health in Metro Atlanta Through Innovative Practices
BACKGROUND
High blood pressure is the leading cause of heart disease and stroke, with heart disease ranking as the No. 1 killer in Metro Atlanta and Georgia accounting for over 22,000 deaths each year.1 Fulton County, Georgia accounts for 10% of the state’s population, and accounts for nearly 8% of heart disease related deaths.2-3 Fulton County is also the largest populated county in Georgia, with over one million residents. Realizing the critical need for innovation in addressing this chronic disease, the American Heart Association of Metro Atlanta connected with the Fulton County Library System regarding avenues to offer the Libraries with Heart initiative.
METHODS
The Libraries with Heart Initiative is designed to equip community members with education, equipment and resources, to improve blood pressure control, heart health and overall well-being. The Fulton County Library System includes 34 branches. After strategizing with leadership, 17 branches were selected for the initiative.
For the initiative, Metro Atlanta designed blood pressure signage and created a Blood Pressure Toolkit in three versions: English, Spanish and dual English-Spanish. Branches receive two blood pressure kits (available for check out) and one blood pressure hub (stationary kit). The toolkits contain a blood pressure device, information on accurate blood pressure measurements, local healthcare sites and resources for support services. To ensure inclusivity, the Georgia Library Service for blind and print disabled patrons was included as a branch and provided with blood pressure devices featuring audio capabilities.
RESULTS
In May 2024, marking Georgia’s first offering, Libraries with Heart launched with the Fulton County Library System. This initiative provides blood pressure resources and continuum of care linkages for more than 56,400 individuals. Branches have reported high usage of the kits.
CONCLUSIONS
The AHA Metro Atlanta team realizes forging new relationships and incorporating innovation in programming are essential to achieving health equity.
