The American Heart Association has awarded Berea Elementary School a grant to boost the school’s readiness for cardiac emergencies. The grant is part of the association’s Kids Heart Challenge program, which selects three South Carolina schools each year to receive a CPR in Schools grant.
What the grant provides
The award includes reusable training kits that teach the basics of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), how to operate an automated external defibrillator (AED), and essential first‑aid skills. The kits are designed for use by students, teachers, staff and even family members, extending lifesaving education beyond the classroom.
Local impact
“This gift will help our students build the knowledge and confidence to respond in an emergency and potentially save a life,” said Lauren Popores, the Kids Heart Challenge coordinator and physical‑education teacher at Berea Elementary. “It also allows us to extend lifesaving education beyond the classroom and into the homes of our Berea families.”
Julie Smart, volunteer board chair for the American Heart Association, emphasized that cardiac emergencies can strike without warning in both classrooms and on athletic fields. According to the association, more than 23,000 children across the United States experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital each year.
Why CPR training matters
Early intervention is critical in cardiac arrest cases. When by‑standers administer CPR and use an AED promptly, the chances of survival increase dramatically. By equipping students and their families with these skills, Berea Elementary is helping to create a safer community and fostering a culture of preparedness.
The grant aligns with the American Heart Association’s broader mission to improve heart health and reduce sudden cardiac death among youth. Schools that participate in the Kids Heart Challenge become part of a growing network of institutions committed to teaching lifesaving techniques to the next generation.
How to learn more
Families interested in additional resources or in volunteering for future training sessions can visit the American Heart Association’s website at heart.org for more information.
Original reporting: Greenville Journal — read the source article.
