American Heart Association partners with Methodist Healthcare Ministries to teach local youth the life-saving technique of CPR.
San Antonio, July 17, 2025 – Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. has partnered with the American Heart Association to provide Hands-Only CPR demonstrations during the Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ Camp Wesley on July 17th from 1 PM – 4 PM. This initiative is part of AHA’s ongoing commitment to community health and education.
Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ Camp Wesley is held at its Wesley Health & Wellness Center every year and is a beloved summer day program for children and youth ages 6 to 17. This year, 100 campers will add Hands-Only CPR training to the traditional camp activities, all at no cost thanks to generous community support.
“We are so grateful for partners like the American Heart Association, who devote their time to teaching our community–even the smallest members–how to feel calm and prepared in a cardiac emergency,” said Jaime Wesolowski, President & CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries. “We are thankful for this partnership and look forward to more opportunities to empowers people in the community to act and respond in the case of an emergency.”
The American Heart Association’s Nation of Lifesavers™ movement is to turn bystanders into lifesavers, so that in the event of cardiac emergency anyone, anywhere is prepared and empowered to become a critical link in the chain of survival and provide CPR. Together we can save lives.
Currently, 70% of Americans feel helpless to act during a cardiac emergency. CPR, especially if performed immediately, can double or triple a person’s chance of survival. We are currently a nation of bystanders that lack the knowledge/confidence to act and save a life.
Each year, more than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of the hospital in the United States. When a person experiences cardiac arrest, survival depends on immediately receiving CPR from someone nearby. About 90% of people who suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrests die – in part because CPR is performed less than half the time.
“These trainings help us get closer to our goal of doubling the survival rate of cardiac arrest by 2030. However, we cannot do it alone,” said Theresa Speiss, executive director of the American Heart Association San Antonio. “We depend on partners like Methodist Healthcare Ministries to help get this vital training into the hands of our community.”
With a century of lifesaving work, the American Heart Association has grown into the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. A shared focus on cardiovascular health unites the more than 35 million volunteers and supporters to the more than 2,900 employees. To learn more about the organization, visit heart.org/en/affiliates/texas or call 210-810-3100.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 – our Centennial year – we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
About Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.
Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. broadens the definition of healthcare by providing low-cost clinical care for the uninsured and by supporting community-led efforts that improve living conditions that cause people to be sick in the first place. We use our earnings as co-owners of Methodist Healthcare to ensure that people who are economically disadvantaged and uninsured can live their healthiest lives. We do this by advocating for, investing in and providing access to quality clinical care and addressing factors that affect health—including economic mobility, supportive relationships, food security, broadband access, and safe neighborhoods. Ultimately, we fulfill our mission of “Serving Humanity to Honor God” by advancing health equity so that more resilient individuals & families living in the 74 counties we serve can thrive. To learn more, visit mhm.org.
