{"id":19599,"date":"2024-04-15T09:57:50","date_gmt":"2024-04-15T13:57:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/richmond-city\/?p=19599"},"modified":"2026-06-08T15:14:53","modified_gmt":"2026-06-08T19:14:53","slug":"check-out-a-book-and-then-check-your-blood-pressure-health-at-the-library","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/richmond-city\/2024\/04\/15\/check-out-a-book-and-then-check-your-blood-pressure-health-at-the-library\/","title":{"rendered":"Check out a book, and then check your blood pressure: Health at the library"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The\u00a02024 County Health Rankings report\u00a0opens with a thought-provoking finding: \u201cThe healthiest counties, where people live long and well, have well-resourced civic infrastructure, including a more accessible information environment (local news outlets, broadband access, and public libraries), compared\u00a0<span class=\"markz4o0os5y2\" data-markjs=\"true\" data-ogac=\"\" data-ogab=\"\" data-ogsc=\"\" data-ogsb=\"\">to<\/span>\u00a0counties among the least healthy.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Resources like\u00a0Richmond Public Library (RPL)\u00a0and\u00a0Henrico County Public Library (HCPL)\u00a0are hubs for education and entertainment. As the County Health Rankings demonstrate, they also create healthier and more connected communities.\u00a0National Library Week\u00a0gives us an opportunity\u00a0<span class=\"markz4o0os5y2\" data-markjs=\"true\" data-ogac=\"\" data-ogab=\"\" data-ogsc=\"\" data-ogsb=\"\">to<\/span>\u00a0celebrate that work! RPL East End Library\/Community Services Manager Adam Zimmerli talked with RHHD about how he and his colleagues center community health in their library day-<span class=\"markz4o0os5y2\" data-markjs=\"true\" data-ogac=\"\" data-ogab=\"\" data-ogsc=\"\" data-ogsb=\"\">to<\/span>-day. That includes helping patrons access a range of library resources and even training\u00a0<span class=\"markz4o0os5y2\" data-markjs=\"true\" data-ogac=\"\" data-ogab=\"\" data-ogsc=\"\" data-ogsb=\"\">to<\/span>\u00a0use Narcan, an\u00a0opioid reversal agent\u00a0that can temporarily pause the effects of an overdose so that emergency services can arrive in time.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Librarians can help you make informed decisions about your health.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhen we talk about health, one of the biggest components is knowing how\u00a0<span class=\"markz4o0os5y2\" data-markjs=\"true\" data-ogac=\"\" data-ogab=\"\" data-ogsc=\"\" data-ogsb=\"\">to<\/span>\u00a0find information. So many healthcare professionals have such a short window for each actual individual patient that folks come away with not a lot of direction. We\u2019ve\u00a0<span class=\"markey6qlerld\" data-markjs=\"true\" data-ogac=\"\" data-ogab=\"\" data-ogsc=\"\" data-ogsb=\"\">do<\/span>ne trainings with VCU\u2019s Health and Wellness Library\u2014they&#8217;ve come out and talked\u00a0<span class=\"markz4o0os5y2\" data-markjs=\"true\" data-ogac=\"\" data-ogab=\"\" data-ogsc=\"\" data-ogsb=\"\">to<\/span>\u00a0us about using\u00a0Medline Plus\u00a0for example, and finding reputable sources that are going\u00a0<span class=\"markz4o0os5y2\" data-markjs=\"true\" data-ogac=\"\" data-ogab=\"\" data-ogsc=\"\" data-ogsb=\"\">to<\/span>\u00a0provide the best information.<\/p>\n<p>And we know our collections. If you\u2019re coming in and you\u2019ve been diagnosed with diabetes and you want\u00a0<span class=\"markz4o0os5y2\" data-markjs=\"true\" data-ogac=\"\" data-ogab=\"\" data-ogsc=\"\" data-ogsb=\"\">to<\/span>\u00a0know what\u00a0<span class=\"markz4o0os5y2\" data-markjs=\"true\" data-ogac=\"\" data-ogab=\"\" data-ogsc=\"\" data-ogsb=\"\">to<\/span>\u00a0cook, we\u2019ve got a bunch of cookbooks that are going\u00a0<span class=\"markz4o0os5y2\" data-markjs=\"true\" data-ogac=\"\" data-ogab=\"\" data-ogsc=\"\" data-ogsb=\"\">to<\/span>\u00a0be appropriate for you.\u00a0 If you wanted\u00a0<span class=\"markz4o0os5y2\" data-markjs=\"true\" data-ogac=\"\" data-ogab=\"\" data-ogsc=\"\" data-ogsb=\"\">to<\/span>\u00a0look at cookbooks for managing salt intake, heart healthy recipes. If you\u2019re interested in exercise, we\u2019ve got books on how\u00a0<span class=\"markz4o0os5y2\" data-markjs=\"true\" data-ogac=\"\" data-ogab=\"\" data-ogsc=\"\" data-ogsb=\"\">to<\/span>\u00a0get started with running, weightlifting, whatever experience you\u2019re looking for.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>Libraries create relationships with organizations and people.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\u201cOne of the best things about working in a small community branch is that we know just about every person who comes through the\u00a0<span class=\"markey6qlerld\" data-markjs=\"true\" data-ogac=\"\" data-ogab=\"\" data-ogsc=\"\" data-ogsb=\"\">do<\/span>ors. It\u00a0<span class=\"markey6qlerld\" data-markjs=\"true\" data-ogac=\"\" data-ogab=\"\" data-ogsc=\"\" data-ogsb=\"\">do<\/span>esn\u2019t take a long time for us\u00a0<span class=\"markz4o0os5y2\" data-markjs=\"true\" data-ogac=\"\" data-ogab=\"\" data-ogsc=\"\" data-ogsb=\"\">to<\/span>\u00a0start\u00a0<span class=\"markz4o0os5y2\" data-markjs=\"true\" data-ogac=\"\" data-ogab=\"\" data-ogsc=\"\" data-ogsb=\"\">to<\/span>\u00a0build that relationship. And so, as you get comfortable with each other, patrons will ask you all sorts of things. It gives you an opportunity\u00a0<span class=\"markz4o0os5y2\" data-markjs=\"true\" data-ogac=\"\" data-ogab=\"\" data-ogsc=\"\" data-ogsb=\"\">to<\/span>\u00a0help guide people\u00a0<span class=\"markz4o0os5y2\" data-markjs=\"true\" data-ogac=\"\" data-ogab=\"\" data-ogsc=\"\" data-ogsb=\"\">to<\/span>\u00a0services and resources that we offer and connecting them\u00a0<span class=\"markz4o0os5y2\" data-markjs=\"true\" data-ogac=\"\" data-ogab=\"\" data-ogsc=\"\" data-ogsb=\"\">to<\/span>\u00a0partners as well. One of the joys about librarianship is that we deal with everything under the sun. People come through those\u00a0<span class=\"markey6qlerld\" data-markjs=\"true\" data-ogac=\"\" data-ogab=\"\" data-ogsc=\"\" data-ogsb=\"\">do<\/span>ors with questions, everything from, \u201cI need\u00a0<span class=\"markz4o0os5y2\" data-markjs=\"true\" data-ogac=\"\" data-ogab=\"\" data-ogsc=\"\" data-ogsb=\"\">to<\/span>\u00a0fill out an RRHA voucher\u201d\u00a0<span class=\"markz4o0os5y2\" data-markjs=\"true\" data-ogac=\"\" data-ogab=\"\" data-ogsc=\"\" data-ogsb=\"\">to<\/span>\u00a0\u201cI had a dream about blackbirds, what\u00a0<span class=\"markey6qlerld\" data-markjs=\"true\" data-ogac=\"\" data-ogab=\"\" data-ogsc=\"\" data-ogsb=\"\">do<\/span>es that mean?\u201d It\u2019s the breadth and scope of the human experience.<\/p>\n<p>From a health perspective, we\u2019ve got our partnership with the\u00a0American Heart Association\u00a0and\u00a0the blood pressure monitors\u00a0within the libraries. At the East End, we\u2019ve got\u00a0Community Hospital\u00a0and\u00a0CAHN\u00a0just\u00a0<span class=\"markey6qlerld\" data-markjs=\"true\" data-ogac=\"\" data-ogab=\"\" data-ogsc=\"\" data-ogsb=\"\">do<\/span>wn the street and\u00a0Planned Parenthood\u00a0and the\u00a0VCU Health Hub\u00a0a couple\u00a0<span class=\"markey6qlerld\" data-markjs=\"true\" data-ogac=\"\" data-ogab=\"\" data-ogsc=\"\" data-ogsb=\"\">do<\/span>ors\u00a0<span class=\"markey6qlerld\" data-markjs=\"true\" data-ogac=\"\" data-ogab=\"\" data-ogsc=\"\" data-ogsb=\"\">do<\/span>wn. So there\u2019s a lot of opportunity for connection.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>Librarians take on a lot of responsibility for keeping people safe.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\u201cOverdoses and substance use challenges are something we know we\u2019re going\u00a0<span class=\"markz4o0os5y2\" data-markjs=\"true\" data-ogac=\"\" data-ogab=\"\" data-ogsc=\"\" data-ogsb=\"\">to<\/span>\u00a0have\u00a0<span class=\"markz4o0os5y2\" data-markjs=\"true\" data-ogac=\"\" data-ogab=\"\" data-ogsc=\"\" data-ogsb=\"\">to<\/span>\u00a0deal with. Public libraries are really one of the last democratic bastions (with a lowercase d!). Where else can you go in this country where you\u2019re not expected\u00a0<span class=\"markz4o0os5y2\" data-markjs=\"true\" data-ogac=\"\" data-ogab=\"\" data-ogsc=\"\" data-ogsb=\"\">to<\/span>\u00a0buy anything\u00a0<span class=\"markz4o0os5y2\" data-markjs=\"true\" data-ogac=\"\" data-ogab=\"\" data-ogsc=\"\" data-ogsb=\"\">to<\/span>\u00a0be there. It\u2019s a cold place on a hot day, a warm place on a cold day, and everybody can walk through that\u00a0<span class=\"markey6qlerld\" data-markjs=\"true\" data-ogac=\"\" data-ogab=\"\" data-ogsc=\"\" data-ogsb=\"\">do<\/span>or. It\u2019s such an honor. It can also be a challenge\u2014because our approach\u00a0<span class=\"markz4o0os5y2\" data-markjs=\"true\" data-ogac=\"\" data-ogab=\"\" data-ogsc=\"\" data-ogsb=\"\">to<\/span>\u00a0working with the public has been open, responding\u00a0<span class=\"markz4o0os5y2\" data-markjs=\"true\" data-ogac=\"\" data-ogab=\"\" data-ogsc=\"\" data-ogsb=\"\">to<\/span>\u00a0crises have become more and more the realm of the public library.<\/p>\n<p>In 2018, RPL partnered with RHHD for Narcan training with all the branches. We now have a Life, Health, and Safety committee and one of the things we decided we needed\u00a0<span class=\"markz4o0os5y2\" data-markjs=\"true\" data-ogac=\"\" data-ogab=\"\" data-ogsc=\"\" data-ogsb=\"\">to<\/span>\u00a0<span class=\"markey6qlerld\" data-markjs=\"true\" data-ogac=\"\" data-ogab=\"\" data-ogsc=\"\" data-ogsb=\"\">do<\/span>\u00a0was make sure people got re-upped on CPR training, AED training, Narcan, and basic first aid. I would rather have the knowledge and be able\u00a0<span class=\"markz4o0os5y2\" data-markjs=\"true\" data-ogac=\"\" data-ogab=\"\" data-ogsc=\"\" data-ogsb=\"\">to<\/span>\u00a0help when help is needed than\u00a0<span class=\"markz4o0os5y2\" data-markjs=\"true\" data-ogac=\"\" data-ogab=\"\" data-ogsc=\"\" data-ogsb=\"\">to<\/span>\u00a0not have it and need it.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Adam says that if you want\u00a0<span class=\"markz4o0os5y2\" data-markjs=\"true\" data-ogac=\"\" data-ogab=\"\" data-ogsc=\"\" data-ogsb=\"\">to<\/span>\u00a0support our public libraries and their mission, the most important thing you can\u00a0<span class=\"markey6qlerld\" data-markjs=\"true\" data-ogac=\"\" data-ogab=\"\" data-ogsc=\"\" data-ogsb=\"\">do<\/span>\u00a0is show up: \u201cComing in through the\u00a0<span class=\"markey6qlerld\" data-markjs=\"true\" data-ogac=\"\" data-ogab=\"\" data-ogsc=\"\" data-ogsb=\"\">do<\/span>ors helps our\u00a0<span class=\"markey6qlerld\" data-markjs=\"true\" data-ogac=\"\" data-ogab=\"\" data-ogsc=\"\" data-ogsb=\"\">do<\/span>or count. Checking out a book helps our circulation. We are everybody\u2019s tax\u00a0<span class=\"markey6qlerld\" data-markjs=\"true\" data-ogac=\"\" data-ogab=\"\" data-ogsc=\"\" data-ogsb=\"\">do<\/span>llars at work\u2014you&#8217;re already paying for the service, but as a civic responsibility, help yourself\u00a0<span class=\"markz4o0os5y2\" data-markjs=\"true\" data-ogac=\"\" data-ogab=\"\" data-ogsc=\"\" data-ogsb=\"\">to<\/span>\u00a0what we have\u00a0<span class=\"markz4o0os5y2\" data-markjs=\"true\" data-ogac=\"\" data-ogab=\"\" data-ogsc=\"\" data-ogsb=\"\">to<\/span>\u00a0offer.\u201d In addition\u00a0<span class=\"markz4o0os5y2\" data-markjs=\"true\" data-ogac=\"\" data-ogab=\"\" data-ogsc=\"\" data-ogsb=\"\">to<\/span>\u00a0blood pressure monitoring and personalized book recommendations, he suggests checking out RPL\u2019s access\u00a0<span class=\"markz4o0os5y2\" data-markjs=\"true\" data-ogac=\"\" data-ogab=\"\" data-ogsc=\"\" data-ogsb=\"\">to<\/span>\u00a0Ancestry.com,\u00a0classes\u00a0on law, crafts, or business, and\u00a0Kanopy\u2014an online platform for film.<\/p>\n<p>Finally, if you\u2019re interested in learning how\u00a0<span class=\"markz4o0os5y2\" data-markjs=\"true\" data-ogac=\"\" data-ogab=\"\" data-ogsc=\"\" data-ogsb=\"\">to<\/span>\u00a0use Narcan, RHHD offers\u00a0virtual trainings\u00a0every Tuesday at 6 p.m. and every Thursday at 1 p.m. Adam encourages people preparing\u00a0<span class=\"markz4o0os5y2\" data-markjs=\"true\" data-ogac=\"\" data-ogab=\"\" data-ogsc=\"\" data-ogsb=\"\">to<\/span>\u00a0help in case of an overdose\u00a0<span class=\"markz4o0os5y2\" data-markjs=\"true\" data-ogac=\"\" data-ogab=\"\" data-ogsc=\"\" data-ogsb=\"\">to<\/span>\u00a0be gentle with their own mental health\u2014administering Narcan during an overdose can be an emotionally challenging but vital job: \u201cI know that there are people walking around who wouldn\u2019t be otherwise, without the training and without the access\u00a0<span class=\"markz4o0os5y2\" data-markjs=\"true\" data-ogac=\"\" data-ogab=\"\" data-ogsc=\"\" data-ogsb=\"\">to<\/span>\u00a0Narcan. The police and the ambulance, they get here as soon as they can, but in that stop gap, that\u2019s where you\u2019re really filling in that critical role.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The\u00a02024 County Health Rankings report\u00a0opens with a thought-provoking finding: \u201cThe healthiest counties, where people live long and well, have well-resourced civic infrastructure, including a more accessible information environment (local news [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":590,"featured_media":19600,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"no","footnotes":""},"categories":[14],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-19599","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog"],"modified_by":"bryanhooten","yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Check out a book, and then check your blood pressure: Health at the library - 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