Rapid City has been recognized as a Cardiac Ready Community by the South Dakota Department of Health, becoming the largest city in the state to earn the designation. The program honors communities that have strong, coordinated cardiac‑care practices in place.
Over the past 18 months, a coalition including the Rapid City Police and Fire Departments, Pennington County Dispatch, Monument Health, the Great Plains Tribal Leaders Health Board, and the Rapid City School District has worked to improve public awareness, emergency response, and access to lifesaving equipment in public buildings, schools, and gyms.
“Cardiovascular disease remains the nation’s leading cause of death,” said Sean Hollearn of the Rapid City Police Department, who led the effort. “This designation reflects our commitment to educating residents and ensuring they know how to respond during a cardiac emergency.”
The city will showcase its new designation during the Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo, where volunteers will host an informational booth offering hands‑only CPR demonstrations, AED guidance, cardiac emergency plans, and community training opportunities.
More information is available on the program’s Facebook page.
Comments