AdventHealth Littleton nurse practitioner empowers families to save lives

Jodi McAndrew, NP knows the importance of CPR training. As a nurse practitioner in cardiac diagnostics at AdventHealth Littleton, she knows CPR can save lives. However, when her oldest child started elementary school, she was surprised to find out how few people even know CPR.

“CPR seems very elite. Many people think you have to be a health care provider to know how to do it, and some classes can feel complicated,” said Jodi. “I know we can change the way CPR is presented to the community, especially in schools.”

That’s why Jodi has made it her mission to bring CPR training to Littleton Public Schools. She identified an opportunity to enhance community education through a “train the trainer” model, which aims to teach educators, parents, and children both CPR and how to use automatic external defibrillators (AEDs).

Jodi approached the AdventHealth Littleton Foundation to request an investment in a pilot program at Ford Elementary School, with a long-term vision to expand this educational model throughout all elementary schools within Littleton Public Schools.

“I want to know if something happens to one of my family members or friends, people have the tools they need to help,” said Jodi.

The AdventHealth Littleton Foundation was able to fund the program thanks to the generous support of donors to the All Hearts Campaign. The campaign has raised $2.5 million towards its $10 million goal to support the AdventHealth Heart and Vascular Institute, which is opening at AdventHealth Littleton in late summer 2025.

“All Hearts donors make these donations because they know our team and program are saving and changing lives and this work speaks to their heart,” said Ashley Nordberg, Chief Development Officer of AdventHealth Littleton. “We know this program will give our community the best chance to survive a cardiac event.”

The investment from the Foundation allowed Jodi and one Ford Elementary School teacher to receive training on how to teach CPR, and so far, they have already hosted one family CPR class. The plan is to host one more before the school year is over and then resume classes again in the fall.

“I love that I am able to use my experience as a nurse and teach families such a critical skill,” said Jodi. “To empower our community to be able to make a difference is incredibly important.”

The AdventHealth Littleton Foundation's mission is to inspire joyful giving to transform lives. Through our 200+ annual donors, we support 25 funds dedicated to elevating, accelerating, and amplifying our work in innovation across our service lines. This support extends to our team members, patients, families, and communities. You can support the AdventHealth Littleton Foundation here.