Texas Mutual grant funds free CPR training for Valley residents

A $100,000 grant from Texas Mutual Insurance Company is helping South Texas College provide free CPR, Basic Life Support and first aid certification courses to Valley residents throughout the summer and fall.

The program, offered through STC’s Continuing Education and Workforce Development division, is open to healthcare professionals, first responders, students and members of the public. Classes will be held on weekends, and participants who complete the one-day course will receive certification through the American Heart Association.

College officials hope to certify at least 800 people through the program over the summer and fall.

“This is an opportunity for those in our community to learn life-saving skills,” Xenia Munoz, continuing education program developer and coordinator at STC, said in a news release Tuesday. “Emergencies can happen anywhere, so knowing these skills can make a critical difference, especially when waiting for emergency responders to arrive.”

The program is funded through a grant from Texas Mutual Insurance Company, the state’s largest provider of workers’ compensation insurance. STC officials said the insurer has partnered with the college on the initiative for the past three years.

The training is designed to prepare participants to respond to cardiac emergencies, injuries and other situations that may require immediate assistance before professional responders arrive.

Taunya Vega, who was recently accepted into STC’s Pharmacy Technician program, enrolled in the course to meet a program requirement but said the training provided skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

“I definitely encourage people to look into these classes and take them,” Vega said. “Not only are these skills beneficial in public emergencies, but they can also help assist family and friends at home. It’s a good skill to have because it prepares you to stay calm and offer help in situations that can be very frightening for everyone involved.”

Munoz said the program reflects the college’s commitment to providing training that benefits both the workforce and the broader community.

“We encourage the community and students to come out and take advantage of this free opportunity,” she said. “Remember, the skills you learn today can help save the life of a friend or family member.”

For more information or to register for upcoming courses, visit South Texas College’s Continuing Education and Workforce Development website.