American Heart Association equips new parents with lifesaving skills, advances maternal and infant health
September 2, 2026
Lexington Medical Center receives Infant CPR Anytime® Kits to help protect new families
American Heart Association equips new parents with lifesaving skills, advances maternal and infant health
Every parent hopes they will never face a medical emergency involving their child, but knowing how to respond can make all the difference.
To help families feel more prepared and confident, the American Heart Association, Midlands is donating Infant CPR Anytime® training kits to Lexington Medical Center to expand access to CPR education for new and expecting parents.
The initiative supports the American Heart Association’s commitment to improving maternal health outcomes and ensuring families leave the hospital equipped with knowledge that could one day save a loved one’s life.
Cardiac emergencies can happen to anyone, including infants and children. When CPR is started immediately, it can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival after cardiac arrest. By putting CPR training directly into the hands of new parents, families can learn lifesaving skills at home and share the training with grandparents, babysitters, friends and other caregivers.
“Bringing a new baby home is one of life’s greatest joys, but it also comes with new responsibilities,” said Jan Jernigan, board member of the American Heart Association, Midlands, and the chairperson of the 2026 Heart Ball. “We want every parent to feel empowered not only to care for their newborn every day, but to know what to do if the unthinkable happens. These CPR Anytime kits give families the confidence and skills to act quickly in an emergency.”
The Infant CPR Anytime kits include self-directed instructional materials and an inflatable practice manikin, allowing participants to practice high-quality CPR while learning lifesaving techniques together. Each kit has the potential to train multiple people, extending its impact throughout the community.
“At Lexington Medical Center, we are committed to providing families with the education and resources they need to keep their children healthy and safe,” said Jay Hamm, vice president of operations at Lexington Medical Center, and board member of the American Heart Association, Midlands. “This collaboration with the American Heart Association helps ensure parents leave our hospital with valuable knowledge that could make a lifesaving difference.”
The American Heart Association continues to support healthier mothers and babies through education, research and community partnerships. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of maternal death in the United States, making education and prevention more important than ever.
While CPR training cannot prevent every emergency, it equips families with the skills to respond confidently in the critical moments before emergency medical services arrive.
The CPR kit donation reflects a shared commitment between the American Heart Association and Lexington Medical Center to improve health outcomes, strengthen families and create communities where more people are prepared to save lives.
To learn more about CPR education and the Nation of Lifesavers movement, visit the American Heart Association at heart.org(opens in new tab).
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org(opens in new tab), on Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
