On May 19, 2018, Cleveland Job Corps Center students and their instructors offered their services at the American Heart Association’s 8th Annual Power of Laughter Health Workshop & Comedy Luncheon. Themed “Code Red,” the event focuses on educating the public and engaging them in laughter by using comedy to share the message of stroke prevention, stroke risk factors, and warning signs. Cleveland Job Corps Center Nursing Assistant Instructor, Jameka Bloom and Medical Assistant Instructor, Angela Laureano and their students have played an important role in the past three years with the Annual Power of Laughter.

This year Medical Assistant students: Asia Crawford, Iyana Smith, Talayzia James, Imani Walker and Nursing Assistant students: Connie Weddington, Martez Amerson, and Tiarra Patton rose early on Saturday morning to volunteer for a great cause. Students registered and greeted guests, assisted with set-up, and demonstrated “Compression Only CPR”. They also passed out boxes containing inflatable mannequins and instructional CPR DVDs. “It was an eventful day,” said Medical Assistant student, Talayzia James. “It was also inspiring to see stroke survivors, the doctors, and the Cleveland Council of Black Nurses Society.”

Guests enjoyed nationally known comedian and actress, Kim Coles from ‘Living Single,’ a heart-healthy lunch, free health screenings, music, and a silent auction. They could also partake in shopping, educational workshops, as well as receive health and community information at vendor booths. Cleveland Job Corps Business Community Liaison Harriet Hadley handed out Job Corps literature to more than two hundred grandparents and parents of young adults.