Witte Museum Partners with Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc and the American Heart Association for Hands-Only CPR Kiosk
(San Antonio) – The Bee Gees smash hit “Stayin’ Alive” has been a dance favorite for years, but now, with the help of shows like The Office, the song is known for much more. Administering CPR to someone in need to the beat of “Stayin’ Alive” can save their life. And now, thanks to a Hands-Only CPR Kiosk sponsored by Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc., visitors to the Witte Museum can learn how to save a life during their visit.
A ribbon cutting ceremony was held this morning at the H-E-B Body Adventure Powered by University Health System in front of the newly installed CPR Kiosk. Marise McDermott, President and CEO of the Witte Museum was joined by Jaime Wesolowski, President & CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries, Alice H. Gannon, Chair of the Methodist Healthcare Ministries board of directors, Maria Garcia, Chair of the American Heart Association board of directors and CPR Survivor Kaeyel Moore to celebrate the new addition to the four-floor interactive building focused on Health IQ, Empowerment and Wellness.
“The positive impact the H-E-B Body Adventure has held in the community is recognized on a national level, and the Witte is honored that the American Heart Association recognize this vision,” said Marise McDermott, President and CEO of the Witte Museum. “The hands-only CPR Kiosk sponsored by Methodist Healthcare Ministries is a welcome addition to the Witte Museum.”
“'For Methodist Healthcare Ministries, this partnership helps to fulfill our mission to serve humanity to Honor God as it will empower people in the community to act and respond in the case of an emergency,” said Jaime Wesolowski, president & CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries. “By teaching visitors how to best render assistance in the case of a cardiac emergency, we can help them save lives. We are thankful for this partnership with the Witte Museum and the American Heart Association and look forward to seeing the positive impact this new tool has on the community."
The interactive touch screen kiosk features a brief “how-to” video, followed by a practice session and a 30-second CPR test. Visitors will be able to practice on a rubber torso of a manikin, giving the feel of a human body. The experience gives feedback about the depth and rate of compressions and proper hand placement – factors that influence the effectiveness of CPR.
“The kiosk will make it possible for users to gain skills that could potentially save the lives of someone they know and love. We also hope that these skills will reduce the number of deaths that occur as a result of trepidation to intervene and perform bystander CPR. This opportunity wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support of our two partners in this life-saving venture, Methodist Healthcare Ministries and The Witte Museum. We are grateful that these two community leaders recognize the benefits of the kiosk and appreciate their roles in possibly saving lives in the weeks, months and years to come,” said Stacy Hicks Herr, Executive Director, American Heart Association San Antonio.
Funded in partnership with H-E-B, University Health System, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas and other community partners, the H-E-B Body Adventure is endorsed by the San Antonio Mayor’s Fitness Council. Along with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation 2018 “Culture of Health” Award, the H-E-B Body Adventure is the recipient of the Inaugural Texas Association of Museum’s Media Innovation and Excellence Award and special recognition from the American Alliance of Museums and the University of Texas Health at San Antonio’s Institute for the Integration of Medicine and Science.
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About the Witte Museum
Founded in 1926, the Witte Museum is where Nature, Science and Culture Meet, through the lens of Texas Deep Time, and the themes of Land, Water, Sky. Located on the banks of the San Antonio River in Brackenridge Park, the Witte Museum is San Antonio’s premier museum promoting lifelong learning through innovative exhibitions, programs and collections in natural history, science and South Texas heritage.
About Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.
Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. is a private, faith-based not-for-profit organization dedicated to creating access to health care for the uninsured through direct services, community partnerships and strategic grant-making in 74 counties across South Texas. Guided by its mission of "Serving Humanity to Honor God," Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ vision is to be the leader for improving wellness of the least served. The mission also includes Methodist Healthcare Ministries' one-half ownership of the Methodist Healthcare System, the largest healthcare system in South Texas, which creates a unique avenue to ensure that it continues to be a benefit to the community by providing quality care to all and charitable care when needed. For more information, visit www.mhm.org.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a leading force for a world of longer, healthier lives. With nearly a century of lifesaving work, the Dallas-based association is dedicated to ensuring equitable health for all. We are a trustworthy source empowering people to improve their heart health, brain health and well-being. We collaborate with numerous organizations and millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, advocate for stronger public health policies, and share lifesaving resources and information. Connect with us locally @ahasanantonio.