Local nonprofit pitches seizure-first-aid training and CPR to council, seeks school partnerships

Raven Walker and Monique Chavis of Living for Epilepsy told the Cleveland City Council Health and the Arts Committee that their nonprofit provides seizure-first-aid instruction and outreach focused on African American communities, and that it pairs seizure education with CPR training so bystanders can respond to both seizures and related cardiac emergencies.

"Our mission is to empower individuals living with epilepsy through awareness, education, and support especially in [the] African American community," Walker said, introducing the Resilient Bracelet Project and materials developed to teach seizure first aid. Monique Chavis, the group's project manager, described seeing a seizure in a classroom and the lack of knowledge among staff: "I actually saw Raven having a seizure in class. Nobody knew what to do," she said, pressing the need for training in schools.

The presenters outlined practical first-aid steps — protect the person from injury, turn them on their side and stay until they are alert — and explained that CPR is indicated when a person is not breathing. They said materials include a kid-friendly brochure and that the group has secured donated CPR/first-aid equipment from Cuyahoga Community College. Walker announced a seizure-first-aid event on June 12 and a CPR training on Aug. 22 and said the group is seeking funding to purchase training mannequins and AED simulators.

Council members offered operational support: introductions to Department of Health minority-health staff, human-resources contacts for city employee trainings, a plan to bring a council resolution forward and offers of meeting space or promotion. Council members also flagged schools as a priority venue; presenters said they have reached out to Cleveland Metropolitan School District and continue follow-up with principals and district staff.

Living for Epilepsy asked for clearer pathways to partner with schools and community organizations and for help with fundraising and logistics to scale trainings; council members volunteered help with contacts and with bringing the group before full council for formal recognition.