Dignity Health Offering Hands-Only CPR Training at Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market for National CPR and AED Awareness Week

San Luis Obispo, CA, June 2, 2025 – In recognition of National Safety Month and CPR and AED Awareness Week, Dignity Health Central Coast is taking proactive steps to equip community members with life-saving skills. 

Team members from Dignity Health Central Coast will be at the Downtown SLO Farmers' Market on Thursday, June 5, for free hands-only CPR demonstrations, helping teach community members how to be a hero in a cardiac emergency.

June is National Safety Month and CPR and AED Awareness Week is the first week of June.

Every year, more than 350,000 Americans experience sudden cardiac arrest, a leading cause of death, with about 70% of these events occurring at home, often with loved ones nearby. While waiting for paramedics, immediate CPR can double or triple a person's chance of survival, yet less than half of cardiac arrest victims receive the immediate help they desperately need.

"Imagine the power of knowing you could save the life of a family member, a friend, or even a stranger," says Cherie McKinley, MSN, RN, Clinical and Healthcare Simulation Educator at French Hospital. "Hands-only CPR is simple to learn, and it empowers ordinary people to become lifesavers. We want to make sure our community has the knowledge and confidence to act quickly in a cardiac emergency."

Hands-only CPR involves two steps: calling 911 and providing continuous chest compressions until professional help arrives. When combined with the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), which delivers an electrical shock to restore a normal heart rhythm, the chances of survival increase dramatically.

“Hands-only CPR is very simple to learn,” McKinley added. “And by taking the time to learn CPR skills, you could be the difference between life and death for someone you love.”

The Dignity Health booth, with staff from Marian Regional Medical Center, Arroyo Grande Community Hospital and French Hospital, will be located in the center of the Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market at the intersection of Chorro and Higuera in San Luis Obispo on Thursday, June 5 from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. In addition to free Hands-only CPR demonstrations, there will be giveaways and a raffle to win dinner at downtown restaurants. 

###

About Dignity Health Central Coast
Seven award-winning hospitals comprise Dignity Health Central Coast: Arroyo Grande Community Hospital in Arroyo Grande, Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz, French Hospital Medical Center in San Luis Obispo, Marian Regional Medical Center in Santa Maria, Sequoia Hospital in Redwood City, St. John’s Regional Medical Center in Oxnard and St. John’s Hospital Camarillo, all recognized for their quality of care, safety, and service.

Additionally, Dignity Health Central Coast has a network of nearly 50 physician offices known as Pacific 

Central Coast Health Centers that include primary care, cancer care and various specialty offices. Dignity Health Central Coast also includes premier ambulatory surgery centers, technologically advanced imaging centers, outpatient services, and comprehensive home health services.

Learn more at dignityhealth.org/centralcoast.