Twenty-three seventh- and eighth-grade students from Sacred Heart School in Omaha took part in CPR certification training earlier this month as part of a program sponsored by the UNMC Center for Continuing Education/EMS and Trauma.
UNMC employee Micki Taylor led the effort, the second certification course the continuing education department has sponsored, after initial success in 2018. Certified CPR instructors taught, with CCE/EMS subsidizing the cost of the program.
“Micki has been a passionate advocate for leaving no child behind,” said Whitney Van Arsdell, educational project coordinator. “She is currently a licensed foster parent and has served for several years as a mentor for Sacred Heart students.”
The mentoring program provides an opportunity for the students of Sacred Heart, located in North Omaha, to see what it is like to be in a work atmosphere, allowing them to explore different career paths and learn what it takes to pursue different professions.
“As mentors, we also are expected to teach/reinforce life skills, work with their educational needs, and continue to follow them through high school and even college,” Taylor said. “Having them learn CPR and obtain CPR certification is an awesome life skill. It is something they can utilize now and in their future.”
UNMC faculty, staff or students interested in pursuing a mentoring opportunity at Sacred Heart can contact Loretta Wells or Jessie Whitlock at the school. For those interested in becoming CPR certified or renewing their current certifications, please note that the Center for Continuing Education offers classes – and if training is needed for six or more, instructors can come to the group. Contact Debra Von Seggern for more information.