The Last True Public Institution: Libraries as Public Health Spaces
The Aurora Health Care Mobile Medical Clinic team waited patiently at a table in the main hallway of the Milwaukee Public Library’s sprawling downtown branch, a blood pressure cuff and mental health questionnaire at the ready as they called out to patrons who paused: “Do you have any questions about your health?”
A Cross-Country Initiative
This mobile clinic is one of several health programs offered by libraries around the U.S. — from tiny rural town libraries to large urban systems. They offer fitness classes, food pantries, cooking classes, conversations about loneliness and mental health, and even blood pressure monitors that can be checked out just like books.
Leveraging Libraries’ Reputation
Libraries are “the last true public institution,” said Jaime Placht, a health and well-being specialist at the Kansas City Public Library system in Kansas City, Missouri. “The library is a public health space.” The American Heart Association’s Libraries with Heart program is part of this initiative, with libraries in Kansas City, Milwaukee, and others offering blood pressure stations and take-home blood pressure kits.
Rural Libraries Join the Effort
There is no local public health office in Jarrell, Texas, a small town between Austin and Waco. But there is a nonprofit library that can connect patrons to mental health help. Jarrell Community Library and Resource Center is a place for brave conversations, where library director Susan Gregurek brings in local experts to teach about end-of-life planning and mental health.
Results and Challenges
After a year and a half, the mobile health clinic in Milwaukee reaches eight patrons on average per visit. They’ve had some people come back to say they went to the hospital and got a life-saving treatment, while others did not seek help and later died. “What we do is a Band-Aid on a broken (health care) system,” McCarthy said of the clinic.
Cooking Up Healthy Habits
In another library effort in Milwaukee, Chef Sharrie Agee teaches kids about healthy nutrition habits at the Mitchell Street branch. Her weekly after-school program runs since 2022 and focuses on making snacks from different continents. Ruby Herrera, a parent, brings her children to learn to cook healthy and try different foods. Her older kids cook everything in the air fryer.
Conclusion
Libraries are evolving into public health spaces, leveraging their reputation as sources of reliable information and their ability to reach people beyond formal healthcare settings. By offering various health programs, libraries can connect patrons with vital information and resources, helping to address health disparities and improve overall well-being.
FAQs
Q: What kind of health programs do libraries offer?
A: Libraries offer a variety of health programs, including fitness classes, food pantries, cooking classes, conversations about loneliness and mental health, and even blood pressure monitors.
Q: How do libraries reach patrons who may not have access to healthcare?
A: Libraries are located in various communities, making them a convenient and accessible point for people to seek health information and resources.
Q: What is the goal of the Libraries with Heart program?
A: The Libraries with Heart program aims to promote heart health and reduce health disparities by providing easy access to health information, resources, and services at public libraries.
Q: How do libraries in rural areas participate in the effort?
A: Libraries in rural areas participate by providing mental health support, end-of-life planning resources, and other health-related programs and services tailored to the needs of their communities.
Q: What are some challenges faced by libraries offering health programs?
A: Libraries face challenges such as limited resources, staff limitations, and addressing the social determinants of health in their communities.
