Each year, nearly 300,000 Americans suffer sudden cardiac arrest outside of a hospital. Knowing CPR can mean the difference between life and death. That’s because cardiopulmonary resuscitation keeps oxygenated blood flowing to the brain and other vital organs and tissues. It increases
the amount of time during which a shock from an AED can be effective.

This Valentine’s Day, make a vow to learn CPR or to renew your certification. It’s a gift from the heart, for the heart.

Click here to register for classes online now!

Central Illinois is full of unsung heroes. The Red Cross believes that it’s important to recognize those whose courage, caring and commitment make a difference in our community. That’s why, every year, the Red Cross honors outstanding local heroes at our Heartland Heroes Dinner.

In particular, the Red Cross wishes to recognize youths, public safety professionals and good citizens. Nominate your hero online now by clicking here. Nominations will be accepted until Feb. 27, 2010.

For more information about the Heartland Heroes Dinner, click here.
 

To celebrate National Child Passenger Safety Week, the American Red Cross is holding a coloring contest.

Children in grades pre-kindergarten through third are eligible to submit original artwork. Any teacher in Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, Marshall, Mason or Stark counties can have his/her class participate.

Entries must be postmarked February 12, 2010.

For contest rules and entry forms, click here.

"CPR Made Simple" makes it easy for anyone to learn basic life-saving techniques — in just an hour!

This condensed course is designed for people who want to familiarize themselves with cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrillators, but who do not need certification. In this simplified training session, lecture time is kept to a minimum so that participants can focus on hands-on CPR/AED skills.This non-certification course costs only $20.

Register online! Click here for Peoria. Click here for Champaign.

Teachers and youth educators, we created a special place just for you! Get the materials you need to fulfill your disaster preparedness and health & safety curriculum. With TeacherNET, simply create a login and gain access to handy materials and activity sheets for your classroom. You can:

• Browse course descriptions of a variety Red Cross-instructed classes
• Request free Red Cross-instructed classes for your students
• Access ideas to complement your lesson plans
• Keep up to date on Red Cross programs designed for youth