Local organizations in Rowan County, North Carolina, are working together to improve heart health access for the community. On February 6, the Rowan Public Library System, Town of Spencer Library, Rowan County Public Health, and the American Heart Association will hold an event to highlight their new collaboration. The event starts at 11 a.m. at the Rowan Public Library’s Headquarters branch in Salisbury.
The partnership aims to make blood pressure monitoring more accessible by providing loaner kits and stations at library branches. The American Heart Association has supported similar programs nationwide to help people check their blood pressure and access important health information.
“When the American Heart Association and Public Health approached us about the possibility of bringing this initiative to Rowan County, it was an immediate yes,” said RPL Director Melissa Oleen. “The library is glad to connect its community members with free access to blood pressure monitoring resources.”
All four branches of the Rowan Public Library and the Town of Spencer Library will have onsite blood pressure stations like those found in pharmacies. The library will also offer heart health-themed kits that patrons can borrow for home use.
Free public access to these resources addresses a key health concern: many people do not know they have high blood pressure until it is checked. High blood pressure often has no symptoms but can lead to serious health issues if unmanaged.
“Health equity isn’t just part of our mission — it’s the heartbeat of it,” says Allison Nelson, Vice President of American Heart Association’s Community Impact Greater Charlotte Market. “By having blood pressure stations easily accessible at the libraries and loaner equipment for home use, we’re clearing obstacles to care and giving people the power to take charge of their heart health.”
Rowan County faces significant challenges related to heart disease. Amy Smith, Education Specialist at Rowan County Public Health, explained: “In 2025, the number one leading cause of death in Rowan County was heart disease. One of the simplest — and strongest — ways to protect your heart is to know your blood pressure. When you know your numbers and adopt a healthier lifestyle, your quality and quantity of life can improve.”
The public is invited to attend this event featuring a special presentation and ribbon cutting at 11 a.m., followed by light refreshments.
From 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., attendees can use all four new blood pressure kiosks in Headquarters’ Hurley Room for free screenings.
Rowan County Public Health staff will be present with information on programs supporting overall well-being.
A family-friendly movement storytime will be held by Youth Services staff at 11:30 a.m., followed by a free “Medicare 101” session at 12:30 p.m., both in Stanback Auditorium. Those interested in learning more about Medicare are encouraged to attend or call 704-216-8218 for details.
After this launch event, each RPL branch—in Salisbury, Rockwell, China Grove, and Cleveland—will have its own station available during regular hours on a first-come basis.
For information about Spencer Town Library’s station availability call 704-636-9072.
Full details about this coalition—including partner information and resources—can be found online at tinyurl.com/rpl-hearthealth.
Recent data shows that college readiness remains low among students in Rowan County school districts across multiple subjects according to results from ACT testing during the 2022–23 school year (https://www.dpi.nc.gov/). For example, only about one out of ten junior students were considered ready for college-level science or math based on their scores (https://www.dpi.nc.gov/), while less than one-quarter were deemed ready in reading (https://www.dpi.nc.gov/).
Press contact:
Sydney Smith Hamrick
704-216-7841
Sydney.Hamrick@rowancountync.gov
www.rowanpubliclibrary.org
