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January jobs report: Unemployment rate falls to 4%, wages rise more than forecast; Trump signs order imposing sanctions on International Criminal Court over investigations of Israel; Ten Commandments in public schools debate reaches South Dakota; Virginia ranks among worst states for wage theft; Mexican long-nosed bat makes appearance in Arizona.

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Attorney General Pam Bondi strikes a Trump tone at the Justice Department, federal workers get more time to consider buyouts, and an unclassified email request from the White House worries CIA vets.

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During Black History Month, a new book shares how a unique partnership built 5,000 schools for Black students, anti-hunger advocates say ag communities would benefit from an expanded SNAP program, and Americans have $90 billion in unpaid medical bills.

It takes a village, or a community, to respond to heart scares

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Thursday, November 16, 2023   

Today is National Rural Health Day - and in South Dakota, some smaller communities are trying to become more "cardiac ready."

Across rural America, health experts say factors such as ambulance shortages and hospital closures add to access issues for patients, leading to poorer outcomes.

The American Heart Association notes that rural populations are 40% more likely to develop heart disease.

AHA's Senior Rural Health Director for the Midwest, Tim Nikolai, said that's why his organization is working with small towns and cities to build a nation of lifesavers for when a rural resident experiences a heart attack.

"Are the people and the organizations around them prepared to respond with effective Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation?" asked Nikolai. "With utilization of an Automated External Defibrillator? And kind of just having that entire system in place."

The Association is working with state health officials to make its Cardiac Ready Communities Program more accessible in South Dakota.

Municipalities that apply for the designation are given tools to evaluate gaps in getting residents trained and fitting buildings with the proper equipment.

In South Dakota, places such as Kimball and Plankinton have been certified through the program.

Nikolai said schools should be a major priority for any readiness planning.

"There's dozens or hundreds of students there - day in and day out - there's dozens of staff members, there's often parents and other volunteers visiting during the school day," said Nikolai. "And then you think about athletic events and community events that are often housed in schools."

He said schools should not only make sure staff are trained, but also make sure automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are placed in visible locations and are accessible after hours.

Nikolai says churches, food pantries and community centers are other places to add to a readiness plan. Local leaders wanting to pursue a certification can contact the state health department.

The Heart Association also has details on its website, where communities and businesses can build their plan.



Disclosure: American Heart Association of South Dakota contributes to our fund for reporting on Budget Policy & Priorities, Civic Engagement, Health Issues, Senior Issues. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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