9-28-2023 4:55am

GAMES, LOOMS, CAMERAS:

Baltimore Ravens Team Up With American Heart Association To Donate CPR Kits To Owings Mills Library

[left to right] Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski stands with BCPL CEO Sonia Alcántara-Antoine, Fire Chief Joanne Rund, Ravens Safety Geno Stone, and representatives from the Baltimore Ravens. (Photo Credit: Van Fisher/ Patch)

OWINGS MILLS - The Baltimore Ravens donated several American Heart Association CPR kits to the Owings Mills Library this week. The donation, part of the BCPL's "Library of Things" initiative, will allow residents to borrow the kits, educating themselves on properly performing CPR.

Each Adult & Child CPR Anytime® Kit is equipped to provide thorough training on CPR, AED awareness, and choking relief within approximately 20 minutes. Designed for user-friendly at-home or workplace learning, these kits also offer the advantage of being easily transportable, fostering shared understanding among family and community groups.

"By providing these essential kits free of charge to the residents, we aim not just to save lives but also to promote a sustainable and environmentally-conscious approach," BCPL CEO Sonia Alcántara-Antoine said.

According to the AHA, more than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside a hospital each in the United States annually. Unfortunately, about 9 out of 10 people who suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest do not survive, often because they did not receive CPR from a bystander.

“The American Heart Association wants every household in America to have at least one family member who knows CPR Making these Hands-only CPR training kits available for free from the libraries will ensure everyone in the Baltimore County community has access to learning this life-saving skill and joining our Nation of Lifesavers,” said Tracy Brazelton, Executive Director of the American Heart Association, Baltimore & Greater Maryland division.

Ravens safety Geno Stone was present at the event to highlight the importance of being prepared for cardiac incidents. Stone's association with Damar Hamlin, a Buffalo Bills player who suffered a cardiac arrest during a game in January 2023, lends a personal touch to his advocacy.

"Any one of our players could face a situation like Damar's, and any community member could undergo a cardiac arrest," said Heather Darney, Vice President of Community Relations for the Baltimore Ravens.

Baltimore County resident and CPR survivor John Holschuh was also in attendance, recalling a near-fatal experience following a basketball game several years ago. Holschuh emphasized the critical role of CPR, crediting his survival to a friend who administered CPR for 15 long minutes until emergency medical services arrived on the scene.

Library of Things

Find items to borrow that aren’t traditionally thought of as library materials. The Library of Things expands our collection's range of materials for borrowing, so that community members of all ages can discover tools and materials to help them explore, learn, create and connect. Our Library of Things builds community through a shared economy, while giving you the opportunity to use an item that may not be attainable, or to save money without purchasing.

Adventure Backpacks

Search the catalog for adventure backpacks. Each pack includes a variety of tools and nature guides to explore the outdoors. Place a hold on an adventure backpack and pick it up at the branch most convenient for you.

Board Games

Search the catalog for board games. There are over 30 games in our collection serving a wide range of ages and interests. Place a hold on the game of your choice and pick it up at the branch most convenient to you.

Book Club Kits

Search the catalog for book club kits. Each kit contains eight to 12 copies of a title, plus a discussion guide to help enhance your book club's discussion. Place a hold on the kit of your choice and pick it up at the branch most convenient for you.

Camera Kits

Search the catalog for Camera Kits. Camera Kits include a point-and-shoot camera, tripod, ring light, lightbox and all cables. An SD card is not included and must be provided by the user. Camera kits can be used for any photography project but are especially useful for product photography that entrepreneurs can use to enhance their websites and social media. Camera kits can only be checked out by Adults and must be returned to a staff member.

Chromebooks

Search the catalog for Chromebooks. Chromebooks are small laptops with WiFi capabilities that run Google's Chrome OS. Create and edit documents, access the internet and watch streaming videos using the library's Kanopy or hoopla services. Chromebooks can only be checked out by adults and must be returned to a staff member.

CPR Kits

Search the catalog for CPR kits. Each kit includes a CPR manikin and an informational DVD. These kits are intended to provide practice and to re-enforce lifesaving CPR skills. CPR kits are courtesy of the Baltimore Ravens.

Early Learning Kits

Search the catalog for early learning kits. Each kit is themed and includes a variety of books, toys, and a set of tips on how to interact with the contents. Place a hold on the kit of your choice and pick it up and the branch most convenient to you.

Engravers

Search the catalog for engravers. Each kit contains one engraver pen and instructions on how to use it. Engravers can only be checked out by adults.

Fishing Poles

Search the catalog for fishing poles. Fishing poles are available for checkout by adults only at the North Point Branch and may not be returned in the book drop, left outside the library or returned to other branches. Fishing poles are courtesy of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

HotSpots

Search the catalog for HotSpots. A mobile hot spot is a portable device that allows devices such as smartphones or laptops to access the internet wirelessly. HotSpots are available for checkout by adults only and can be requested to be picked up at the branch most convenient for you.

Looms

Search the catalog for looms. Each kit includes one easel weaver, two shed sticks, one stick shuttle and one instruction sheet. Looms are on the shelves at the Hereford Branch and can be requested to the branch most convenient for you.

Memory Kits

Search the catalog for Memory Kits. These kits are meant to give seniors the chance to reminisce and share past experiences, but could be enjoyed by a variety of ages. Place a hold on the memory kit of your choice and pick it up at the branch most convenient to you.

Outdoor Activities

Search the catalog for outdoor activities. There are a variety of activities in our collection serving a wide range of ages. Place a hold on the outdoor activity of your choice and pick it up at the branch most convenient to you.

Science Kits

Search the catalog for science kits. Each kit contains some combination of a hands-on activity, book, or experiment on a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) topic. Place a hold on the kit of your choice and pick it up at the branch most convenient to you.

Telescope Kits

Search the catalog for telescope kits. Each kit contains a moon map, star finder and other tools that will enhance your night sky experience. Kits are available for checkout by adults only and can be requested to be picked up at the branch most convenient for you.