Pratt, Kansas – The American Heart Association and the Miss Kansas Organization are joining forces to equip the next generation of young women leaders with lifesaving skills during a special luncheon and CPR/AED training event at Pratt Community College on Tuesday, June 3, at 11:30 a.m. The event will bring together 38 delegates from across Kansas, along with Miss Kansas 2024 Alexis Smith and Miss Kansas’ Teen 2024 Averie Mountain, for an afternoon centered on heart health awareness, education, and emergency preparedness.
The event is sponsored by Drs. Brett & Brooke Grizzell of Wichita will feature guest speakers Heather Smart, Senior Development Director for the American Heart Association, and Alexis Smith, Miss Kansas 2024.
Smith, an accomplished cardiothoracic ICU nurse and national advocate for healthy relationships and heart health, will speak about her personal and professional commitment to improving health outcomes. She will also highlight the national partnership between the Miss America Opportunity and the American Heart Association, particularly through the Miss America
FIT Movement, which promotes physical fitness, wellness, and heart health among women and girls.
“As a nurse and a titleholder, I’ve seen firsthand how critical heart health education and emergency response training are,” said Smith. “This event is about empowering these young women with the confidence and tools to save lives in their communities.”
Following the speakers, Yolana Wakefield-Wilson, Community CPR Manager for the American Heart Association, will lead a hands-on AED and CPR training session. The training will include practical instruction designed to prepare all 40 participants for real-life emergency response.
This event highlights a shared commitment by both organizations to advance women’s health, increase CPR awareness, and empower young leaders across Kansas to be prepared and proactive in crises.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. As the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke, the AHA funds innovative research, advocates for stronger public health policies, and provides critical tools and information to save and improve lives.
About the Miss Kansas Organization
The Miss Kansas Organization is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering young women through scholarship, leadership development, and community service. Each year, titleholders like Miss Kansas serve as ambassadors across the state, leading impactful initiatives in education, health, and advocacy .
