FAMU Students Gain Lifesaving Skills Through Black Men in Medicine CPR Certification Event
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida A&M University students recently gained hands-on lifesaving knowledge through a CPR certification event hosted by the Black Men in Medicine student organization.
The event, organized in partnership with FAMU’s School of Allied Health Sciences, provided students with hands-on CPR training and American Red Cross certification. The initiative was guided by faculty adviser Willie Williams, a professor in the Division of Health Science.
Students from Florida A&M University’s School of Allied Health Sciences and members
of the Black Men in Medicine student organization pose after completing a CPR certification
workshop on the FAMU campus. (Photo courtesy of Willie Williams)
“We meet monthly with our executive board and student leadership groups to talk about ideas for events that will benefit our students,” Williams said. “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.”
Grinder, a nursing major and certified nursing assistant, said her experience in the
healthcare field inspired her to propose the event.
“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 that initiatives like CPR training are particularly meaningful 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,” Grinder said.
The 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. Gerri guided students through the 4-hour session, which included both instruction and hands-on practice.
A Florida A&M University student performs rescue breathing on a training mannequin
while participating in a CPR certification workshop designed to teach life-saving
emergency response skills. (Photo courtesy of Willie Williams)
During the training, students learned CPR techniques for adults and children, how
to perform chest compressions and rescue breathing, and how to properly use an automated
external defibrillator (AED). Participants also completed a certification exam at
the end of the session.
“It’s a very hands-on experience,” Williams said. “Students practice the techniques, learn the procedures, and leave with a certification that confirms they’ve gained a valuable life-saving skill.”
The certification fee was $45 per student, which covered training materials and certification costs through the American Red Cross.
However, support from alumni and the student organization helped reduce the financial burden for many participants.
“We were able to get alumni involved, and they sponsored several students,” Williams said. “Black Men in Medicine also helped sponsor additional participants, so nearly half of the students who attended had their fees covered.”
In total, more than 30 students participated in the event, demonstrating strong interest in opportunities that build both professional skills and leadership experience.
A Florida A&M University student practices CPR compressions during a hands-on certification
training designed to prepare students to respond to real-life medical emergencies.
(Photo courtesy of Willie Williams)
For some participants, the training carried personal significance and reinforced the
importance of being prepared for emergencies.
“I once experienced a situation where my mother passed out while we were out together,”
said Rikhari Lewis, a senior healthcare management scholar. “My training immediately
kicked in. Adrenaline took over, and I recognized the warning signs and responded
appropriately because of that prior training.”
Williams believes exposure to healthcare professionals and practical learning experiences can help build confidence among students entering the medical field.
“Many of our students are academically strong, but sometimes what they’re missing is the confidence to apply what they’ve learned,” Williams said. “Experiences like this help bridge the gap between theory and practice.”
Students at Florida A&M University practice life-saving CPR techniques on a training
mannequin during a Black Men in Medicine certification event on campus. (Photo courtesy
of Willie Williams)
Because of the strong response, organizers are already considering making the certification training a recurring opportunity for students.
“We definitely want to do this again,” Williams said. “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.”
For students pursuing careers in healthcare, the CPR certification is more than just a line on a resume. It is a skill that could one day save a life.
Students gather in a classroom at Florida A&M University for CPR certification instruction
during a Black Men in Medicine event designed to teach life-saving emergency response
skills. (Photo courtesy of Willie Williams)
Media Contact:
Ashley Flete
Senior Communications Specialist
ashley1.flete@famu.edu
