The City of Sundown Library and its staff are continuously trying to fill the needs of the community and have added another resource in a health hub. Library Director, A’ndrea McAdams explained that implementing the health hub is a way to increase health literacy amongst the community. The hub will include equipment such as a blood pressure cuff and an oximeter and a scale.
“If somebody does not necessarily need to go to the doctor but needs to use the equipment for a quick check they can do so,” explained McAdams. “However, if they need to talk to their doctor or need to utilize telemedicine, they can get online with whoever their provider is by using the webcam and computer. We also have a document scanner to make it easier, so community members don’t have to commute.”
Putting this hub together was a possibility through a grant provided by American Heart Association and the FH Foundation.
“The FH Foundation is from Midland and we’ve worked with them before but the American Heart Association people have been wonderful,” said McAdams. “There’s a team of and they have been fantastic getting all of this situated for us.”
McAdams first heard about health hubs and similar resources following the pandemic and was really introduced to the concept three years ago at the National Texas Library Association Conference.
“When I think about anyone who can utilize the space, I think about teachers who only have a brief conference period or somebody who is on a lunch break that cannot afford the time to travel to their providers,” said McAdams.
In implementing this resource, she hopes this serves as a tool to encourage individuals to be more mindful about their health and body. There is work being done to put together an active group for seniors so they can meet weekly which would provide the opportunity for them to use the hub and check on their overall health.
“It’s just one step for when they go to the doctor and they can say they have been checking their own blood pressure and keep track of their information,” added McAdams. “We also have blood pressure cuffs that they can take home through check out. We have five of those that they can be checked out for up to 28 days.”
While doctor visits are one avenue for the hub, peer support is another that comes to mind for McAdams. Teletherapy, peer groups or even a simple book club could be accessible if it can be reached through a platform such as zoom. The area serves as a private space for those who simply have the need for it.
Located in the game room of the library, the space will be open from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The time will allow for more privacy and simply anonymity.
Those who wish to book a time can visit the library website, call the library or if in person can scan a QR code to get signed up.
McAdams explained that the growth in the library has not necessarily been space but has been the resources offered to the community. Seeing a need and filling that need is something McAdams and her staff have been working hard to fulfil for the community.