A middle-school gymnasium is a place where you would expect to find a noisy pep rally, students dribbling basketballs or even kids running laps around the court. But for two school days in February, it was a different scene in the gymnasium at Alexandria Middle Magnet School where CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini held a series of fun and interactive lifesaving lessons.

It wasn’t your typical classroom for these students in grades 6, 7 and 8. Their teachers were CHRISTUS Cabrini Associates from various hospital departments like cardiology, nursing and education.

“We’re teaching these children how to save lives. Many of these students are living with grandparents or older adults,” explained Nancy R. Hellyer, CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini CEO. “It is our privilege to volunteer our time to help kids know the signs and symptoms of a stroke, or how to tackle medical emergencies when faced by them.”

The students got a lesson in hands-only CPR and how to resuscitate someone during an emergency. They also learned the importance of heart health, how to check their heart rate and the importance of exercise.

Hundreds of students participated and the school is now stocked up on jump ropes and stethoscopes. CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini donated the supplies to help the school and the students.

“This is the CHRISTUS mission coming to life. We are helping our community live healthier and happier lives every day in Alexandria and that feels good,” said Hellyer.