Piedmont Athens Regional encourages community to learn lifesaving skills during national CPR and AED awareness week

Athens, Ga. (June 2, 2026) — In recognition of National CPR and AED Awareness Week, observed June 1–7 each year, Piedmont Athens Regional’s Community Health Nurse Educators are encouraging community members to learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED).

Trainers will be at the Oconee Health Campus on Thursday, June 4, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., providing free hands-only CPR and AED training. All community members are welcome to stop by at 1305 Jennings Mill Road in Watkinsville.

The annual observance recognizes the important role bystanders can play in responding to sudden cardiac arrest outside of the hospital. Performing CPR right away can double or even triple someone's chance of survival.

“Every second counts during a cardiac emergency,” said Heather Bailey, RN, ABJ, a Piedmont Athens nurse educator who leads the hospital’s Healthy Matters at Work program. “By learning CPR and how to use an AED, community members can take immediate action and help save a life before emergency responders arrive.”

Educators encourage everyone to learn hands-only CPR, a simple technique that involves pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest. Those interested in receiving training can find classes online or sponsored by various organizations.

Piedmont Athens Regional supports community education through a variety of CPR, AED and other first aid training opportunities offered throughout the year. Trainers provide hands-on instruction, certification courses, and community outreach events to empower individuals with the confidence and skills to respond in a cardiac emergency.

To learn hands-only CPR or find a class near you, visit American Heart Association CPR Awareness resources or email Heather Bailey at heather.bailey@piedmont.org.