Florida A&M University students received hands-on CPR training and American Red Cross certification during a recent event hosted by the Black Men in Medicine student organization, according to a March 13 announcement.
The event aimed to provide students with practical lifesaving skills that could benefit them both professionally and personally. Faculty adviser Willie Williams, a professor in the Division of Health Science, said, “We meet monthly with our executive board and student leadership groups to talk about ideas for events that will benefit our students. One of our student leaders, Miss Jaida Grinder, suggested hosting a CPR certification event, and I immediately thought it was a great opportunity for students to gain a skill that could benefit them professionally and personally.”
Jaida Grinder emphasized the importance of CPR knowledge for those pursuing healthcare careers. “CPR is a lifesaving skill, and you never know when you may find yourself in a situation where that knowledge could help save someone’s life,” Grinder said. “Our campus has many students pursuing healthcare careers, so providing an opportunity for students to become CPR certified supports both their professional development and their ability to serve their communities.” She also noted the significance of such initiatives within historically underserved communities: “Hosting events like this allows us to equip students with essential skills while helping address the need for more preparedness within our communities.”
The four-hour certification course was led by Dionne Gerri, Ph.D., a marine biologist with FAMU Aquatics who also leads aquatic safety and first aid training programs. Students participated in instruction as well as hands-on practice. Williams said, “It’s a very hands-on experience. Students practice the techniques, learn the procedures, and leave with a certification that confirms they’ve gained a valuable life-saving skill.”
The $45 fee per student covered training materials and American Red Cross certification costs; however, alumni sponsorships and support from Black Men in Medicine helped cover fees for nearly half of the participants. More than 30 students took part in the session.
Williams highlighted how experiences like this can help bridge gaps between academic learning and real-world application: “Many of our students are academically strong, but sometimes what they’re missing is the confidence to apply what they’ve learned. Experiences like this help bridge the gap between theory and practice.” Organizers are considering making CPR certification training available on a recurring basis due to strong interest among students. Williams concluded: “We definitely want to do this again. There’s a real appetite for these kinds of experiences, and if we can continue to build opportunities that strengthen our students’ skills and confidence, that’s something worth continuing.”
