RAPID CITY, SD — The Rapid City Public Library in collaboration with Monument Health and the American Heart Association have pioneered a new installation at the library, providing free blood pressure readings and information to health-conscious community members.
“The library has a role to provide information, educational resources to the community, we’re also a community hub” said Sean Minkel, Assistant Library Director.
“So we think that having this blood pressure monitoring station here is going to be a valuable resource”. The facilities include a blood pressure monitor which can provide any given user a printout reading, as well as information on what specific readings mean. Minkel also stated that “We will also have staff available [at the library] to help if they have a question”.
John Talcott, Director at Monument’s Heart and Vascular Institute provided some information on the importance of blood pressure as more than just a number, stating “It’s really one of those early indicators of complete body health,” following in line with both the Library and Monument’s commitment to health literacy, information, and access to testing. also noted that this is only the first of these Heart Hubs, saying “We do have a plan to continue to expand these heart health stations throughout the black hills, throughout Rapid City”.
