In an emergency, minutes don’t feel like minutes—they feel like a heartbeat you might not get back. This sense of urgency is exactly why this past November, Division 24A hosted a life-saving CPR Certification DCM. Organized by Lieutenant Governor Christina Kozman, this initiative was made possible through the support of a Kiwanis Foundation Mini Grant. By securing these funds, Christina
ensured that her division didn’t just meet to discuss business, but gathered to gain the skills necessary to protect their community. It was a powerful reminder that when leadership meets opportunity, the impact can be truly life-changing.
From the start, the goal was simple but powerful: equip Key Clubbers with skills that don’t just earn a certification but can truly save a life. During the training, members became certified in CPR for both infants and adults, then expanded their emergency response toolkit through Stop the Bleed prevention, EpiPen administration education, Narcan awareness, and real world guidance on how to act quickly and correctly under pressure. Each station reinforced the same message preparation matters, and in an emergency, confidence comes from practice.
What made this DCM especially meaningful was its lasting impact. Members didn’t just learn information for one night they gained knowledge they can carry into school, sports, work, and everyday life, and just as importantly they now hold the power to share that knowledge with others, multiplying the number of people who can step in when seconds matter. This opportunity was only possible through the Florida Kiwanis Foundation Service Leadership Programs Mini Grant, which awarded Division 24A $500 and made certification affordable for everyone. Because of this support, participants completed training for just $10 compared to similar programs that typically cost $50 to $80, removing a major barrier and making lifesaving education accessible.
I chose to lead this project because as a lifeguard, I’ve seen how quickly a normal moment can become an emergency and how fragile a life can be in a single second. I’ve also seen the opposite how quickly a life can be saved when someone is prepared and willing to act. The earlier CPR begins, the greater a person’s chance of survival, which is why training more people isn’t just helpful it’s service at its highest level. Through this DCM, Division 24A didn’t just serve our community for a day we invested in protecting it for years to come.
“Service is more than just hours on a sheet; it’s about equipping ourselves to be there for our neighbors when it matters most.”
