orlando florida, February 21, 2024 — As Central Florida’s Libraries with a Heart program grows, so too does the community’s access to critical health care resources.

The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association and its Together to End Stroke sponsor, the HCA Healthcare Foundation, are collaborating with HCA Florida Healthcare and the Orange County Library System to help local residents understand their stroke population. By doing this, we are preventing stroke and improving health in Greater Orlando. Monitor blood pressure.

High blood pressure is a major cause of heart disease and stroke. It is sometimes referred to as a “silent killer” because it can cause no symptoms and can be harmful to a person’s health. High blood pressure causes cardiovascular disease and is the number one cause of death in the United States. Cardiovascular disease accounts for approximately 1 in 5 deaths in Florida.

Through the Libraries with Heart program, Orange County Library System cardholders can check out blood pressure monitoring kits to self-measure their blood pressure, access simple health literature, and receive affordable access to care when they need it. You can receive clinic referrals. Currently, Eatonville, Hiawassee, Orlando Public Library, South Creek, South Trail, Southwest, Washington Park, Windermere, and Winter Garden branches have launched Libraries with Hearts, and library card holders can visit these sites. You can check out the blood pressure kit.

“Through the American Heart Association’s Libraries with Heart program, which supports awareness of heart health and stroke prevention, We are honored to be able to contribute to raising awareness of heart and stroke prevention.” He is at HCA Florida Healthcare Hospital in the Orlando metropolitan area. “Enabling members of our community to take an active role in monitoring and managing their heart health will help us make real progress in the fight against heart disease and stroke. Brandon is a member of the American Heart Association’s Circle of Red and the Greater Orlando Heart Walk executive leadership team and will serve as the Greater Orlando Heart Walk Chair in 2025.

The American Heart Association’s Greater Orlando Community Impact Team, HCA Florida Healthcare, and the Orange County Library System are working to bring Mindful Libraries to all 15 branches. The blood pressure kit can be checked out for two weeks at a time and comes with information on how to properly measure blood pressure, as well as blood pressure tracking logs in English and Spanish, so individuals can bring that information to their doctor if needed. can.

“Making blood pressure monitoring kits more accessible to our community with support from the American Heart Association and HCA Florida Healthcare is a great addition to the Orange County Library System’s wealth of resources.” OCLS Steve Powell, Director and CEO of “Promoting heart health and providing blood pressure monitoring kits to the public are important services that we are proud to provide.”

The American Heart Association, HCA Florida Healthcare, and Orange County Library System are working to launch Libraries with Hearts at Alafaya, Chickasaw, Fairview Shores, North Orange, Southeast, and West Oaks branches later this year. We are working. For more information, please contact Erick.Sanchez@Heart.org.

About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association works tirelessly to help the world live longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with thousands of organizations and the power of millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for public health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. In 2024, our 100th anniversary, we celebrate our rich 100 years of history and achievements. As we move forward into his second century of bold discoveries and impact, our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. heart.org, Facebook, X Or call 1-800-AHA-USA1.

About HCA Florida Healthcare

HCA Florida Healthcare, part of HCA Healthcare, is a group of more than 650 affiliated healthcare facilities, including hospitals, clinics, free-standing emergency rooms, and urgent care centers. HCA Florida Healthcare, which will be integrated as a statewide network in 2022, will have approximately 11,000 experienced physicians and his more than 79,000 colleagues working together to provide unbiased, scientific, and patient care to more than 8.6 million patients each year. We provide evidence-based collaborative care. HCA Florida Healthcare is committed to improving more lives in more ways and giving back to the communities we serve. The network has provided more than $848.8 million in unpaid care and donated $2.1 million to community organizations across the state. Additionally, HCA Florida Healthcare provides patients with access to highly trained professionals, including the state’s largest cardiovascular network. A strong advocate for the next generation of medical professionals, HCA Florida Healthcare is also a leading supporter of university-based medical programs, training and fellowships throughout the Sunshine State. For more information, visit HCAFloridaHealthcare.com.

About HCA Healthcare Foundation
HCA Healthcare Foundation’s mission is to promote health and well-being and strive to positively impact all communities served by HCA Healthcare. We accomplish this mission by providing leadership, service, and financial support to effective nonprofit organizations that work individually and collectively.

About the Orange County Library System

The mission of the Orange County Library System (OCLS) is to enhance the quality of life for the more than 1.4 million residents of Orange County, Florida, by creating learning environments and experiences that foster personal growth and development. We have 15 branches and a vast online network. OCLS leverages a variety of resources to connect customers with amazing experiences and opportunities to learn, explore, and create. From cutting-edge technology and inventive fiber art to enriching story times and best-selling author events, OCLS provides innovative resources to her more than 4 million visitors inside and outside of its branches. Wherever you are, we’ll see you there. For more information about the Orange County Library System, visit ocls.info. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Media inquiries:

american heart association

Emory Perkins emory.parkins@heart.org

HCA Healthcare North Florida Division

Victoria Heller Victoria.Heller@hcahealthcare.com

orange county library system

Lee Andrus landrus@ocls.info

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