Building a Safer Community Through Lifesaving Education
AHA Heartsaver® CPR class held this week with participants Kayla Merriman, RN and AHA Site Administrator; Danielle Hutchinson (Drexel School Nurse); and Timber Stiles (Ballard School Nurse).
Preparing people to act in an emergency is one of the most powerful ways we support community health. This year, our Community Wellness Program delivered a full schedule of American Heart Association (AHA) courses, reaching participants across Bates County and beyond.
These trainings not only equip the public with lifesaving skills; they also make it easier for local professionals to stay current with the certifications required for their work, including teachers, daycare providers, and healthcare workers (including many of our own employees).
Looking back at 2025, BCMH Community Wellness provided:
49 in-house classes for employees and community members:
- BLS: 23 classes
- Heartsaver® CPR: 9 classes
- ACLS: 9 classes
- PALS: 8 classes
69 additional AHA courses coordinated by BCMH and provided by outside instructors for area schools, nursing homes and Osage Valley Electric Cooperative:
- BLS: 32 classes
- Heartsaver® CPR: 37 classes
In total, 417 attendees received AHA eCards in 2025 for completing a course organized through BCMH.
In addition, BCMH organized two TNCC training events, each spanning two days. TNCC (Trauma Nurse Core Course) is required for ER RNs and was offered this year in partnership with instructors from LifeFlight Eagle.
A big thank you to Gayle Warden, Education Coordinator, and to all of the instructors who made this year’s success possible.
Want to learn more or find an upcoming class? Check our Calendar of Events for scheduled community trainings.
