In a collaborative effort to enhance youth health and community well-being, the American Heart Association (AHA), Jefferson Health and Philadelphia Youth Basketball (PYB) are proud to announce the installation of a Hands-Only CPR Kiosk at the Alan Horwitz “Sixth Man” Center. The unveiling event on February 13th coincided with the observance of Heart Month and emphasized the importance of empowering youth with life-saving skills.
The event featured insights from Kenny Holdsman, co-founder and CEO of PYB; Keith Leaphart, DO, MBA, Executive Vice President (EVP) and Humana Chief Health Equity and Community Impact Office at Jefferson; and Jeffrey Salvatore, vice president of community impact for the AHA Greater Philadelphia. During the event, Salvatore also conducted live demonstrations using the kiosk, providing attendees with hands-on exposure to Hands-Only CPR training.
The Hands-Only CPR Kiosk, sponsored by Jefferson, offers an interactive experience that teaches participants the steps of CPR while allowing them to practice on a manikin. The kiosk includes a touch screen with instructional videos and feedback technology to guide users toward performing CPR effectively. The initiative is part of the American Heart Association’s mission to make CPR education widely accessible in community spaces, ensuring that individuals of all ages can learn and practice this essential life-saving skill.
“At Philadelphia Youth Basketball, we believe in empowering our young people with the tools and knowledge to lead healthy lives,” said Kenny Holdsman. “Integrating the Hands-Only CPR Kiosk into our center offers our youth and community a valuable resource to learn critical skills that can make a profound difference in emergency situations.”
Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a leading cause of death among young athletes, with an incidence of approximately 1 in 63,682 athletes per year. Male athletes are about four times more likely to experience SCD than female athletes, and Black athletes face approximately three times the risk compared to their white counterparts.
Immediate CPR can double or triple the chances of survival after cardiac arrest.
“Equipping our youth with the knowledge and confidence to perform CPR not only empowers them but also strengthens the safety net of our entire community,” noted Jeffrey Salvatore. “By making CPR education accessible, especially in youth-centered spaces, we are fostering a generation that is prepared to act in emergencies, ultimately saving lives.”
Dr. Keith Leaphart emphasized the significance of the initiative and Jefferson’s commitment to making a difference: “At Jefferson Health, we are proud to support the Mobile Hands-Only CPR Kiosk as part of our mission to improve lives. Bringing a resource like this into the community—specifically to bridge gaps and remove barriers—is exactly how Jefferson partners with local organizations and individuals to ensure everyone has access to life-saving resources.”
As we observe Heart Month, this collaboration between the AHA, Jefferson, and PYB serves as a timely reminder of the importance of heart health and the power of community-driven initiatives. By educating and empowering our youth, we are investing in a healthier, safer future for Philadelphia.
For more information about the Hands-Only CPR Kiosk or Heart Month initiatives, please contact Jeffrey Salvatore at Jeffrey.Salvatore@heart.org.