The following is sponsored content from Wyoming Center on Aging.
Wyoming Libraries Bridge the Gap Between Literacy and Lifesaving Health Tools
Wyomingites heading to their local library this summer might walk out with more than just a stack of beach reads. They could also be taking home a medical tool that saves their life, thanks to an ongoing statewide public health push.
Public libraries across all 23 Wyoming counties continue to help residents “Get to Know Your Numbers” by offering free, self-measured blood pressure monitoring (SMBP) kits for checkout. The wildly successful initiative is a collaborative effort between the University of Wyoming’s Center on Aging (WyCOA), the Wyoming Department of Health’s Chronic Disease Prevention Program, and local library systems. Since its launch just three years ago, the pilot program has achieved an impressive 2,135 checkouts statewide.
A Critical Resource for the Cowboy State
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death both in Wyoming and across the United States. Nationally, one out of every five deaths is attributed to heart disease—a sobering statistic given that the condition is largely preventable. Public health officials emphasize that Wyoming residents can rewrite that narrative through small, proactive lifestyle changes. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), monitoring vital signs is the crucial first step.
“Information is power. The more information both a patient and their health care provider have, the better the treatment plan,” said Kara Beech, a Regional Coordinator with WyCOA. “Better treatment plans lead to better overall health. It is exciting to see individuals across the state checking out kits to work on improving their health and the health of our communities.”
What’s Inside the Kits?
Available at 67 different libraries across the state, the kits are fully bilingual, offered in both English and Spanish. They include:
- An automated home blood pressure cuff
- Educational materials from the American Heart Association
- Blood pressure logbooks to track daily readings
- Informational guides explaining what blood pressure numbers mean
- Tips for heart-healthy lifestyle changes and resource links via Wyoming211.
Health officials stress that while home monitoring is an excellent tool to gather data for your next doctor's visit, it is meant to complement—not replace—regular consultations with a primary care provider.
How to Get Involved
WyCOA is urging Wyomingites to protect their hearts this summer by adopting foundational habits. Beyond checking out a kit to track your numbers, residents are encouraged to eat for longevity, add more daily movement, prioritize sleep, and manage stress.
Wyoming’s public libraries remain deeply committed to building stronger, healthier communities, and this program perfectly bridges the gap between literacy and community wellness. To learn more about checking out a kit, visit the WyCOA portal at www.uwyo.edu/healthierwyo/.
