Local nursing sorority to work with shelter, train at least 1,000 in hands-free CPR 

A local nursing sorority is working to make Selma a better place.  

Rho Eta chapter in Selma of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc. has formalized a partnership with the Dr. Winston Williams Shelter. The sorority will donate a monitor that will be updated with health information, and they will provide personal supplies to residents of the shelter. 

Rho Eta will be one of seven Alabama Chi chapters across Alabama participating in a program to demonstrate hands-only CPR in adults, youth and infants. The initiative is funded by Alabama Nurses Foundation Community Grants.  

Each participating chapter will receive equipment valued at $600 to teach CPR. Rho Eta received its funding to purchase CPR equipment from Marcus Williams Insurance.  

The training is a partnership with the American Red Cross, the Dallas County Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated chapter Gamma Alpha Alpha Zeta and the Selma (AL) chapter of The Links Incorporated.  

Each chapter accepted the challenge to have at least 1,000 encounters by the end of June. If you or your church or organization would experience a CPR simulation, contact Dr. Shelica Ford, RN, president at rhoetaprez@gmail.com, or Dr. Constance Smith Hendricks, RN, vice president, at 334-526-0020.  

Rho Eta chapter was established in Selma in 1989 with 22 registered nurses. For the past 35 years, the chapter has provided many community service initiatives to improve the quality of life. In August, the chapter recognized 35 Essential Workers as 2024 “Difference Makers.” The Chapter also has requested to adopt a mile on US Highway 80W-Mile Post 82-83 with the Alabama Department of Transportation PALS: Adopt-A-Mile Program.  

Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc. is a professional organization for registered nurses and male and female student nurses representing many cultures and ethnic backgrounds. More than 8,000 RNs and student nurses hold membership in Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc.