The Symbiotic Filipino Community in the Greater Kansas City
The Philippine Nurses Association of Greater Kansas City (PNAGKC) in cooperation with the Philippine Medical Society of Greater Kansas City (PMSGKC) has provided the nationally renowned cultural center with interim life saving capabilities by installing an Automatic External Defibrillator or an (AED) in its premises. The installation was made to coincide with the annual Healthfair conducted in August 11, 2007 heavily supported by area healthcare businesses which annually offers free blood sugar and cholesterol checks, targeted health information kiosks, free eye exams, glaucoma and cataract screenings and dental consultations to name a few services.
The AED provision is a part of a comprehensive Healthy Living Program promotion by the PNAGKC partially funded by healthcare grants to the PNAGKC and the PMSGKC from the Office of Minority Health. Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) allow trained lay rescuers to successfully deliver electrical energy to the heart in case of a sudden cardiac arrest even before EMS arrives. “It just made sense to make this a priority. Our Filipino cultural center is a bustling venue for different physical and cultural activities enjoyed by the young and the very young at heart.". “It is one service that we who are in the healthcare industry can give back to our community and increase awareness to this life saving device,” comments current PNAGKC President, Beth Rosas RN
In addition to the AED device, CPR education and training will also be offered by the PNAGKC as part of the recently concluded healthfair. Quarterly CPR classes for the first year will also be offered to maximize the number of people, children and adults alike who will be familiar with CPR and the use of the AED device. Dr. Manuel Pardo of the PMSGKC is the Medical Director of this Early Defibrillation Program.
The Health Fair and the installation of the AED are prime examples of this almost symbiotic relationship among the Filipino Association of Greater Kansas City, the PNAGKC and the PMSGKC. Truly, a Filipino Community that looks after one another.
For more information about this program, contact Rizvend Pecana, AED Program Coordinator at 913-710-0462.
Copyright 1996-2010 Philippine Nurses Association of Greater Kansas City. All rights reserved.
