Georgia Head Start Director Hailed as Hero After Saving Choking Child
The director of a Head Start program in Georgia, Yolanda Willis, is being hailed as a hero for her quick action in saving a 2-year-old child who was choking on candy. Willis performed the Heimlich maneuver on the child during…
Champaign Urbana & Springfield Decatur, IL, November 14, 2026 — A young child is safe thanks to the swift actions of Yolanda Willis, the director of the Head Start program in Burke County, Georgia. Willis is being recognized for her bravery and quick thinking when a 2-year-old child began choking on candy during a family event at the center.
The incident occurred at the Burke County Head Start center. According to reports, the child, who is 2 years old, was attending a family event when the emergency took place. The child had become unable to breathe after choking on candy.
Without hesitation, Yolanda Willis, the program director, stepped in to assist. Willis performed the Heimlich maneuver, a recognized emergency procedure for choking victims. Her immediate response and proper execution of the technique successfully dislodged the obstruction from the child’s airway. As a result, the child was able to breathe again.
The successful intervention has led to Willis being hailed as a hero by those present and the wider community. Details regarding the specific date of the family event or the child’s identity were not provided. However, the outcome of the incident highlights the importance of preparedness and quick action in emergency situations within educational and community settings.
Head Start is a federal program that provides comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to low-income children and their families. The Burke County Head Start center serves families in the region, offering vital support for young children’s development.
Story summarized from the original created by William Rioux, Jordan Gartner on www.wandtv.com, see more information here.
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