News Release: 2/23/2026
Check Out a Book and Your Blood Pressure at the Spring Green Library
Take-home blood pressure devices and a stand-alone machine donated from The Richland Hospital and Clinics.
Take-home blood pressure devices and a stand-alone machine donated from The Richland Hospital and Clinics.
The Richland Hospital and Clinics turned the Spring Green Community Library into a “Library with Heart” thanks to a grant from the American Heart Association which was secured by Heather Thome, RN and Angie Coenen, director of The Richland Hospital Foundation. This Community Heart Hub offers a stand-alone blood pressure monitoring cuff and multiple sizes of take-home devices.
“It’s easy to use,” offers Heather Thome, RN, who was on hand for the unveiling. She walked Emily Whitmore, library director, through the process. “Just insert your arm and press ‘start’ to get a quick and accurate reading,” she said.
“Spring Green Community Library is a trusted resource center for the community. Adding wellness moments fits in with our mission,” said Emily. “Patrons of the library have mentioned how their doctors want them to increase blood pressure monitoring. We have an answer for them now,” she continued.
“Spring Green Community Library is a trusted resource center for the community. Adding wellness moments fits in with our mission,” said Emily. “Patrons of the library have mentioned how their doctors want them to increase blood pressure monitoring. We have an answer for them now,” she continued.
The Richland Hospital and Clinics is excited to open the door to more collaborative efforts to bring health care into the communities it serves. This program is just the start. Heather Thome, an avid library user, nurse, and mom, is already thinking of new ideas. “Libraries are my happy place,” she said. “I’m excited to bring health care into the area in new ways. It’s true to our mission to put patients above all else.”
Community Heart Hubs were also established at Brewer Public Library and Lone Rock Community Library. “Some people aren’t as comfortable getting their blood pressure checked in the doctor’s office,” said Troy Rinehart, library director at Lone Rock Community Library. “Our population is aging. It’s harder for them to get to the doctor. Having these devices for people to check out, or use in a safe, comfortable place like our library makes sense,” he added. While the Lone Rock Community Library doesn’t have space for the stand-alone blood pressure unit, they do have multiple sizes of electronic cuffs to check out. “I have one of these devices myself so feel comfortable showing people how to use them,” he said.
According to the American Heart Association, high blood pressure puts people at risk for heart disease, stroke, and other health challenges. Meeting people where they are to promote and educate about the risks and local health resources is a good thing for everyone.
About The Richland Hospital and Clinics:
The Richland Hospital and Clinics is a nationally awarded health care facility dedicated to caring, educating, and healing. For 100 years, TRHC has provided compassionate, patient-centered care to residents of the greater Richland County area. The organization operates an independent, integrated medical practice group in three locations, including rural health clinics in Spring Green and Muscoda and a critical access hospital at its primary location in Richland Center, WI.
The Richland Hospital and Clinics is a nationally awarded health care facility dedicated to caring, educating, and healing. For 100 years, TRHC has provided compassionate, patient-centered care to residents of the greater Richland County area. The organization operates an independent, integrated medical practice group in three locations, including rural health clinics in Spring Green and Muscoda and a critical access hospital at its primary location in Richland Center, WI.
Spring Green Medical Center - The Richland Hospital and Clinics
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Heather Sloan Marketing Director
- February 23, 2026
- (608) 588-7413
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