TALLAHASSEE, Fla. \u2014 Florida A&M University students recently gained hands-on lifesaving knowledge through
\n a CPR certification event hosted by the Black Men in Medicine student organization.<\/p>\n
The event, organized in partnership with \u00a0FAMU\u2019s School of Allied Health Sciences, provided students with hands-on CPR training
\n and American Red Cross certification. The initiative was guided by faculty adviser
\n Willie Williams, a professor in the Division of Health Science.<\/p>\n
![\"Students](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1024x768_BMIMCPR3.jpg\")
Students from Florida A&M University\u2019s School of Allied Health Sciences and members
\n of the Black Men in Medicine student organization pose after completing a CPR certification
\n workshop on the FAMU campus. (Photo courtesy of Willie Williams)<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u201cWe meet monthly with our executive board and student leadership groups to talk about
\n ideas for events that will benefit our students,\u201d Williams said. \u201cOne of our student
\n leaders, Miss Jaida Grinder, suggested hosting a CPR certification event, and I immediately
\n thought it was a great opportunity for students to gain a skill that could benefit
\n them professionally and personally.\u201d<\/p>\n
Grinder, a nursing major and certified nursing assistant, said her experience in the
\n healthcare field inspired her to propose the event.<\/p>\n
\u201cCPR is a lifesaving skill, and you never know when you may find yourself in a situation
\n where that knowledge could help save someone\u2019s life,\u201d Grinder said. \u201cOur campus has
\n many students pursuing healthcare careers, so providing an opportunity for students
\n to become CPR certified supports both their professional development and their ability
\n to serve their communities.\u201d<\/p>\n
She also noted that initiatives like CPR training are particularly meaningful within
\n historically underserved communities.<\/p>\n
\u201cHosting events like this allows us to equip students with essential skills while
\n helping address the need for more preparedness within our communities,\u201d Grinder said.<\/p>\n
The certification course was led by Dionne Gerri, Ph.D., a marine biologist with FAMU
\n Aquatics who also leads aquatic safety and first aid training programs. Gerri guided
\n students through the 4-hour session, which included both instruction and hands-on
\n practice.<\/p>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1024x768_BMIMCPR6.jpg\")
A Florida A&M University student performs rescue breathing on a training mannequin
\n while participating in a CPR certification workshop designed to teach life-saving
\n emergency response skills. (Photo courtesy of Willie Williams)\u00a0<\/p>\n
During the training, students learned CPR techniques for adults and children, how
\n to perform chest compressions and rescue breathing, and how to properly use an automated
\n external defibrillator (AED). Participants also completed a certification exam at
\n the end of the session.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a very hands-on experience,\u201d Williams said. \u201cStudents practice the techniques,
\n learn the procedures, and leave with a certification that confirms they\u2019ve gained
\n a valuable life-saving skill.\u201d<\/p>\n
The certification fee was $45 per student, which covered training materials and certification
\n costs through the American Red Cross.<\/p>\n
However, support from alumni and the student organization helped reduce the financial
\n burden for many participants.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe were able to get alumni involved, and they sponsored several students,\u201d Williams
\n said. \u201cBlack Men in Medicine also helped sponsor additional participants, so nearly
\n half of the students who attended had their fees covered.\u201d<\/p>\n
In total, more than 30 students participated in the event, demonstrating strong interest
\n in opportunities that build both professional skills and leadership experience.<\/p>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1024x768_BMIMCPR2.jpg\")
A Florida A&M University student practices CPR compressions during a hands-on certification
\n training designed to prepare students to respond to real-life medical emergencies.
\n (Photo courtesy of Willie Williams)<\/p>\n
For some participants, the training carried personal significance and reinforced the
\n importance of being prepared for emergencies.<\/p>\n
\u201cI once experienced a situation where my mother passed out while we were out together,\u201d
\n said\u00a0Rikhari Lewis, a senior healthcare management scholar.\u00a0\u201cMy training immediately
\n kicked in. Adrenaline took over, and I recognized the warning signs and responded
\n appropriately because of that prior training.\u201d<\/p>\n
Williams believes exposure to healthcare professionals and practical learning experiences
\n can help build confidence among students entering the medical field.<\/p>\n
\u201cMany of our students are academically strong, but sometimes what they\u2019re missing
\n is the confidence to apply what they\u2019ve learned,\u201d Williams said. \u201cExperiences like
\n this help bridge the gap between theory and practice.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"Students](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1024x768_BMIMCPR5.jpg\")
Students at Florida A&M University practice life-saving CPR techniques on a training
\n mannequin during a Black Men in Medicine certification event on campus. (Photo courtesy
\n of Willie Williams)<\/p>\n
Because of the strong response, organizers are already considering making the certification
\n training a recurring opportunity for students.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe definitely want to do this again,\u201d Williams said. \u201cThere\u2019s a real appetite for
\n these kinds of experiences, and if we can continue to build opportunities that strengthen
\n our students\u2019 skills and confidence, that\u2019s something worth continuing.\u201d<\/p>\n
For students pursuing careers in healthcare, the CPR certification is more than just
\n a line on a resume. It is a skill that could one day save a life.<\/p>\n
![\"Students](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1024x768_BMIMCPR4.jpg\")
Students gather in a classroom at Florida A&M University for CPR certification instruction
\n during a Black Men in Medicine event designed to teach life-saving emergency response
\n skills. (Photo courtesy of Willie Williams)<\/p>\n
Media Contact:<\/p>\n
Ashley Flete
Senior Communications Specialist\u00a0
ashley1.flete@famu.edu<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n