The R-I Health Department was able to replace two sets of adult and infant manikins, plus an additional standalone adult, for purposes of teaching CPR, through a $2,000 grant from the Rotary Club of Poplar Bluff.

Poplar Bluff maintenance administrative assistant Dawn Hicks, the current Rotary Club president, said she reached out to nursing staff earlier this year to see if the funds would be of benefit. The health awareness grant program features a 50/50 match between the community-based organization and Rotary International. 

In addition to updating its training manikins, manufactured by PRESTAN, the Health Department acquired 150 face-shield lung bags. Health Director Bailey Hester, who is certified through the National CPR Association, reported that three different training opportunities were offered over the summer for district staff, followed by the bus garage and Poplar Bluff Technical Career Center culinary arts students.

Pictured: R-I administrative assistant Dawn Hicks (left), also the Rotary Club president, presents Poplar Bluff Health Director Bailey Hester with new CPR/AED training manikins.

Photo and article by Tim Krakowiak, Communications/Marketing Director, Poplar Bluff R-I School District