Franklin Matters: kit

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Wednesday, February 11, 2026

Another First for Franklin: blood pressure kits can be checked out at the Library (video/audio)

FM #1656 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1656 in the series.

This episode shares my conversation with Town of Franklin’s public health nurse Alisha Sullivan. We talked virtually on Monday, February 9, 2026 about the blood pressure kits available at the Library.

Did you know high blood pressure is the #2 killer of MA residents?

Right behind the collection of illnesses called cancer

Did you know you can check your own blood pressure at the Library?

A station is set up to take your blood pressure. You can even check out a device like you would a book or a video, or anything else in their Library of things.

Another First for Franklin: blood pressure
kits can be checked out at the Library

Did you realize this also happens to be another “First of Many” for the Town of Franklin?

Yup, the Health, Dept, Library and American Heart Assoc have collaborated on this program. The first library in MA to have the test kit station and kits for check out

You can watch or listen to my conversation with Alisha. Approx. 17 minutes

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1656-another-first-blood-pressure-kits-at-the-library-02-09-26/

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Health Dept page - https://www.franklinma.gov/444/Board-of-Health

Metacomet Public Health Alliance health resources - https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/7a79d8f9979f4709ad5b7311c91c8258

Video link - https://youtu.be/ChoyQZEc3Xk

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The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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Friday, December 19, 2025

Did you know that Blood Pressure Kits are now available at the Franklin Public Library ???

The Franklin Health Department and Franklin Library have partnered with the American Heart Association to bring home blood pressure kits to our library! Patrons who visit the Franklin library can now monitor their blood pressure at home as part of the American Heart Association's ongoing "Libraries with Heart" program, which allows for blood pressure kits to be borrowed, much like checking out a book.

There is also a blood pressure monitor set up at the Franklin library on the second floor for public use. In addition, there are educational materials from the American Heart Association about how to interpret results and why managing high blood pressure is essential to preventing heart disease and stroke. 

This is a great tool if an individual needs blood pressure (BP) monitoring, or cannot afford or have access to a BP monitor. Please share the attached flyer that helps explain this new program and help our community members be proactive about their heart health.