At The Victory Fund, our mission is to address the root causes of chronic health conditions in northeastern Minnesota through prevention, education, and expanded access. One essential way we’re doing that is by bringing life-saving knowledge directly to rural communities through our CPR Training for Rural Communities initiative. 

This hands-on training, with instructors certified by the American Heart Association, has reached 11 rural communities across northeastern Minnesota, equipping residents with the skills to respond to cardiac emergencies. Participants learn CPR techniques for infants, children, and adults, including how to use automated external defibrillators (AEDs), with the option to earn certification. 

In rural areas where emergency medical services may take 15 minutes or more to arrive, bystanders are often the first—and only—line of defense. Immediate CPR can double or triple a person’s chance of survival, making these trainings not just valuable, but vital. 

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Former Rice Lake Mayor Suzanne Herstad, who attended one of the sessions, shared: "It was a great turnout, with participants of all ages! Remember, in a critical moment, you might be the only difference between life and death for a loved one."

In addition to CPR training, a series of Mental Health First Aid will be offered to each community. Often called “mental health CPR,” this training teaches participants how to recognize the signs of a mental health or substance use crisis, offer supportive responses, and connect individuals to appropriate care. In small towns where mental health resources are often limited or stigmatized, having community members trained in these skills can be life changing. 

By giving residents who reside in a rural community the tools to act in both physical and mental health emergencies, these trainings strengthen individual confidence, builds healthier and more resilient communities and enhances overall emergency preparedness. 

And that’s a Victory we’re proud to support! 

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