Libraries across the U.S. are stepping into the realm of public health through the American Heart Association’s Libraries for Health initiative, which offers free wellness programs and fitness classes to local communities. These programs include food pantries, mobile clinics, cooking classes, mental health support groups, and training on basic medical devices. Participating libraries even provide take-home blood pressure kits for checkout, broadening their role as community health hubs. The services vary by location: a Milwaukee library offers healthy nutrition classes for kids, a Kansas City branch provides blood pressure screenings, and a library in Jarrell, Texas, facilitates mental health support. By expanding access to essential health resources, libraries are bridging gaps in underserved areas and transforming into vital centers for community well-being.
Image via AP
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