Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts offer free Compress & Shock Trainings in the Community

August 5, 2025
Media Contact: Tes La Dieu, Population Health Manager, (757) 594-7411

Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts offer free Compress & Shock Trainings in the Community

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – As of July 21, 10 children under the age of five have died in swimming pool drownings in 2025. There are several things that families and guardians can do to prevent drowning, but it is equally important to know how to respond and provide life-saving measures in the event of drowning. Consequently, the Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts (HPHD) will offer free Compress & Shock trainings throughout the community in the month of August.

The Compress & Shock Foundation is a physician-led 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, working closely with HPHD and the Peninsula Medical Reserve Corps to create hands-on CPR and AED training focused on how to respond after drowning.

“Virginia has seen a spike in child drowning deaths this summer,” says HPHD’s Health District Director, Dr. Natasha Dwamena. “It is vital to maintain skills that can save a life, including CPR and knowledge of how and when to use an AED. Therefore, HPHD is partnering with several of the localities we serve to offer free trainings to the community.”

Training lasts roughly an hour, with 20 minutes of lecture-based education and 40 minutes of hands-on practice. The courses are open to anyone 13+ in the community. Registration is not required but recommended. Please join us at one of the following trainings:

  • Tuesday, August 26th
     3:30-4:30pmStryker Center
    412 N Boundary St Williamsburg, VA 23185

Registration link: MRC @ Stryker Center | Compress and Shock

You can learn more about the Compress & Shock foundation by visiting their website at https://www.compressandshock.org/.

For more information on safe swimming practices and tips, please swimhealthyva.com.

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