HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital are excited to announce a partnership with the American Heart Association and the Marion County Public Library System to launch the “Libraries with Heart” program, which expands access to lifesaving resources and heart-health education in our community.
Made possible through a grant from the HCA Healthcare Foundation, the program has outfitted six Marion County public libraries with automated external defibrillators (AEDs). Additionally, patrons with library cards can check out blood pressure monitoring kits, giving residents a convenient way to track their own blood pressure and take an active role in managing their cardiovascular health.
“We know our community loves the public libraries, and through the partnership, we have found an innovative way to help people learn more about keeping their hearts healthy and strong,” said Alan Keesee, chief executive officer of HCA Florida Ocala Hospital. “We’re grateful for the assistance of the American Heart Association and the Marion County Public Library System in sharing this critical program with library patrons.”
“Advancing equitable health is at the core of the American Heart Association's mission. Through Libraries with Heart, we are expanding access to trusted health resources in community spaces where people already feel comfortable and supported,” said Shelby Bobbett, American Heart Association Senior Director, North/Central Florida. “By providing tools like self-monitored blood pressure kits through local libraries, we are empowering individuals to better understand and manage their health — helping to close gaps in access and improve outcomes for the communities we serve."
As one example of the educational aspect of the partnership, Dr. Himanshu Shukla, the board-certified director of the electrophysiology program at HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital, presented a talk in June called "Heart Wise."
At the library system's headquarters branch in Ocala, Dr. Shukla discussed atrial fibrillation, commonly known as AFib, an irregular heartbeat in which the upper chambers of the heart don’t contract in a strong, rhythmic way. He noted that AFib is a common factor in cardiovascular disease and can be a significant driver of stroke. Dr. Shukla discussed causes and symptoms of AFib as well as treatment options, both surgical and pharmaceutical.
"The public library connects people with the information, tools, and resources they need to improve their lives. Our partnership with the American Heart Association and HCA Florida Healthcare, through the 'Libraries with Heart' initiative, has made a meaningful impact on our community,” said Lee Schwartz, assistant library director of the Marion County Public Library System. “Thanks to this collaboration, the Marion County Public Library System now lends blood pressure cuffs and provides heart health resources, allowing patrons to monitor their blood pressure and take a more active role in managing their health. Aided by HCA Florida Healthcare, the American Heart Association also helped equip six library branches with AEDs and provided staff training on their use. This partnership is making our community healthier and safer, and we're proud to work together to improve lives and help save them."
In addition to Libraries with Heart, HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital recently joined the American Heart Association to empower Marion County students to learn CPR. Funded by a grant from the HCA Healthcare Foundation, the American Heart Association provided its CPR in Schools® Training Kits to all public high schools in Marion County. With the state’s largest cardiovascular network, HCA Florida Healthcare makes it easy to access a full spectrum of heart, lung and vascular treatments and services. Visit HCA Florida Healthcare webpage for more information.