Cardiopulmonary arrest is a current national epidemic with significantly greater prevalence in populations like Lehigh. In regards to CPR, it is universally understood that attempting any intervention in response to a cardiac arrest is far better than doing nothing. Non-response as a bystander is essentially a death sentence for the victim.
Project Community Valor is a non-profit program focused to provide lifesaving CPR and AED training to high school students: a population that is physically capable and universally mobile within their community. Founded and implemented by 3 Nova Southeastern University Physician Assistant students (Erik Ridgway, Sutton Spence, and Will Stout), Project Community Valor was a huge success at East Lee County High School this past month! 200+ students were trained and students that completed training earned American Heart Association® certification with a 98% pass rate (some of the students are pictured below).
The project is looking forward to continuing and expanding this worthwhile endeavor annually at ELCHS to really make a lasting change within the community of Lehigh. This past year the founders spent countless hours planning and implementing the project, and financed it mostly out of pocket. It was made possible with the support of the American Heart Association® and Physicians Regional Medical Center in Naples. However, the project is in need of funding to continue the training.
ELCHS students can make a great contribution to their community and are capable of saving lives with the CPR/AED skillset. These students play and work in our community. They can add a valuable layer of defense in the event of an emergency. Project Community Valor will undoubtedly benefit the participating students as well as the school and surrounding community. Please help us spread the word and gain the support to continue this valuable program.