The Physical and Mental Health Committee (PMH) of the Baltimore County Alumnae Chapter (BCAC) of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (DST) in collaboration with the American Heart Association, Bailey’s Heart and Soul Foundation and LifeBridge Health and Fitness will present a “Saving Lives CPR Training” event.
The training program will take place on Saturday, February 8, 2025 from 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at LifeBridge Health and Fitness located at 1836 Greene Tree Rd #1 in Pikesville, Maryland. The event is being presented in recognition of Heart Month, a time to raise awareness about heart disease, the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Initiative, a national movement to end heart disease and stroke in women, and Black History Month, a month-long observance honoring the triumphs and struggles of African Americans throughout U.S. history.
Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of Americans and disproportionately affects the Black community. The American Heart Association notes that African Americans are at a greater risk for heart disease and stroke than any other racial group. Contributing factors include genetics, hypertension, obesity, and diabetes.
Despite these risks, the American Heart Association also highlights that African Americans can improve their odds of preventing and beating these diseases by understanding the risks and taking simple steps to address them.
A study supported by the National Institutes of Health found significant race and sex-based disparities in the survival chances of individuals receiving bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. The study revealed that Black adults and women were less likely to benefit from bystander CPR compared to white adults and men, regardless of income level or neighborhood diversity.
In addition, there are also disparities between men and women. According to a study released by the Resuscitation Science Symposium, men are more likely to receive bystander CPR in public locations compared to women. The study shared that women and men receive similar CPR assistance within the home; however, in public, 45 percent of men received assistance compared to 39 percent of women. In addition, men were 1.23 times more likely to receive bystander CPR in public, and their chance of survival was 23 percent higher compared to women.
“BCAC’s Physical and Mental Health Committee seeks to educate and facilitate healthy lifestyles for the physical, mental, and spiritual well-being of our members and community,” said Lisa Dagnatchew, President of the Baltimore County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. “We are proud to present this event, which is an example of the many ways BCAC is carrying out this mission. We are encouraging everyone to take advantage of receiving this life-saving training. We never know when the time will come when we may need it.”
“Saving Lives CPR Training” is open to all individuals ages 18 and older, and will offer affordable, lifesaving training that includes the following: Hands Only Demonstration training and Full CPR Certification Training. Both trainings will be provided by certified instructors. At the conclusion of the training, all participants will earn a certificate of completion. Hands-Only Training is $40 plus Eventbrite fees and Full CPR Certification is $80 plus Eventbrite fees.
Bailey’s Heart and Soul Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating schools on how to respond in cardiac emergency events and to equip them with the necessary emergency equipment. The organization was founded in memory of Bailey Bernard Bullock, who succumbed to Sudden Cardiac Arrest after completing a 200-meter track and field event at his local high school in Bel Air, Maryland.
“Every heartbeat is a promise of life, one that can be shattered in an instant when help doesn’t Arrive,” said Patrice Bullock, the mother of Bailey Bullock and Founder of Bailey’s Heart and Soul Foundation. “At Bailey’s Heart and Soul Foundation, we’ve witnessed the profound loss and unfathomable pain that follows a silent heart. That’s why this Heart Awareness Month, we stand united, teaching CPR so that every second can become a second chance. Learn CPR, save a life, and help keep the rhythm of hope beating in our Baltimore community and in memory of Bailey Bullock.”
Check-in will begin at 9:30 a.m. Advanced registration required. Visit https://tinyurl.com/bdh754kj to
register. For more information, contact Lisa Dagnatchew at (443) 358-7066 or president@bcacdeltas.org.
