MOULTRIE, Ga. — Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. As such, the month of February is dedicated to raising awareness about heart disease. Colquitt Regional Medical Center is hosting an educational CPR training and certification course. The event will take place 5:30-8:30 p.m. Feb. 20.

 The importance of CPR training cannot be emphasized enough, the hospital said in a press release. When an individual goes into cardiac arrest, they have a few short minutes before brain damage, organ damage, or even death occurs. That is why CPR, also known as cardiopulmonary resuscitation, can be a potentially life saving technique.

 Colquitt Regional has geared up for Heart Health Awareness Month. The hospital and affiliated clinics have created several events for the month of February.

“The bottom line is that heart health affects us all. Our goal is to educate our community at large on the importance of living a heart-healthy life,” said CEO Jim Matney. “We hope people take advantage of this opportunity. Since most cardiac arrests occur in the home or in public spaces, it is critical for as many people in the community as possible to know how to perform this life-saving technique.”

 The event, appropriately dubbed, “Take Heart, Take Part,” will take place at the Education Services Building at Colquitt Regional from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Registration is $30 and can be paid upon entry. To reserve your spot, please call 229-890-3552 or email abailey@colquittregional.com.