Today we’d like to introduce you to Andre Lewis, Sr., Instructor Trainer.
Hi Andre, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I began my career at Jackson Memorial Hospital as an Emergency Room Technician, where I witnessed countless life-changing situations and traumatic events that came through the Jackson Memorial Hospital. One of the most impactful experiences was seeing how many cardiac-arrest patients—of all ages—arrived at the hospital without a single family member, neighbor, or bystander who knew what to do before help arrived. Those experiences opened my eyes to how critical it is for everyday people—not just medical professionals—to have the skills to act in an emergency.
In 2006, I passed my State Certification to become a Juvenile Justice Correctional Officer with the State of Florida, where I was later promoted to Sergeant. During that time, every officer was required to be CPR-certified—but I wanted to take it a step further. I decided to become an American Heart Association Certified Instructor, and that decision shaped my purpose.
After earning my certification, I was promoted to Senior Instructor Trainer within the Department of Juvenile Justice, where I had the privilege of training and certifying officers within my facility in CPR, AED, and First Aid. From there, I received my first official training contract with the Department of Children and Families, marking the start of my journey as an independent instructor and safety consultant.
What began as a professional requirement evolved into a lifelong mission—to educate and empower people with the skills to respond confidently and effectively during emergencies. My passion also stems from knowing the disparities our communities face. Studies show that Black and Brown individuals are 30–40 percent less likely to receive bystander CPR during cardiac arrest, and our communities experience some of the highest rates of heart disease and sudden cardiac death. That reality has always weighed heavy on me—it’s one of the reasons I’m so determined to close the gap by making lifesaving education more accessible in neighborhoods that need it most.
Over the years, I’ve trained **thousands of individuals, families, and organizations—including government agencies—**through my company, A&T Health and Safety Institute 2000 LLC, which I co-own with my wife and partner, Tarea Smith-Lewis. I’ve also had the honor of training and certifying firefighters in Bermuda through our international partnership with Steven Caine, CEO of Fire Life & Safety Associates. Together, we’ve built a legacy of service focused on saving lives, increasing awareness, and creating safe spaces within our communities and abroad.
Today, I’m proud to serve as a Community Safety Provider at Liberty Square and Lincoln Gardens, under the leadership of Mr. Nathaniel Joseph and Mr. Lizander Martinez of The Related Group. I’m also part of Liberty United, a collaborative network of community service providers working together to empower families, strengthen youth, and build safer neighborhoods. We work closely with residents, nonprofits, and local organizations to promote emergency preparedness, first aid, and crisis response.
Recently, I joined the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce under the leadership of President Eric Knowles, expanding my mission to collaborate with other business leaders who are committed to building safer, healthier communities.
Our goal is simple—make lifesaving education accessible to everyone, because every second counts when lives are on the line.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but every challenge has taught me something valuable. In the early years, I faced many of the same struggles that small business owners and community leaders often experience—limited resources, lack of awareness about the importance of CPR training, and the challenge of building trust in communities that have historically been overlooked or underserved.
There were times when I was training people with very little equipment or trying to find creative ways to keep classes affordable for families and organizations that couldn’t always pay. But I believed in the mission more than the money. I knew that if I could just get people in the room and show them that one class could change—or even save—a life, it would grow from there.
Another challenge was overcoming fear and complacency in the community. Many people assume emergencies only happen to “other people.” I had to break that mindset through education, patience, and consistency. That’s what led to partnerships with community centers, nonprofits, and agencies like The Related Group, who saw the value in what we were doing. Even through the hard times, I never gave up because I know this work is saving lives. My faith, my family, and my purpose kept me focused. Every obstacle became another opportunity to grow and serve.
Through it all, I’ve learned that when God gives you an assignment, He also gives you the grace to carry it out. There were times I didn’t see how things would come together, but doors always opened at the right time. That’s how I know this calling is bigger than me—it’s about building something that continues to help people long after I’m gone.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about A&T Health And Safety institute 2000 L.L.C.?
At A&T Health and Safety Institute 2000 LLC, our mission is to extend lives through training, preparedness, and prevention. We specialize in emergency response certification programs including CPR, AED, and First Aid for adults and pediatrics, as well as Basic Life Support (BLS) for healthcare professionals.
In addition to training, we are authorized AED distributors and provide automated external defibrillators, wall cabinets, and emergency response kiosks to schools, businesses, churches, and organizations across Florida and beyond. We also sell Bleeding Control Kits and Mobilized Trauma Kits—essential tools that help control life-threatening bleeding and stabilize victims before first responders arrive.
We are proud to be DCF-authorized Narcan Providers, offering free Narcan, overdose prevention education, and wall kiosks or cabinets to businesses and community organizations interested in partnering with us. With the alarming rise in opioid-related deaths, we’re helping communities be prepared to save lives by placing Narcan in accessible public spaces and teaching people how to respond confidently in an emergency.
Our expertise also includes AVIRT (Active Violence Immediate Response Training), OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens, Drowning Prevention, and a range of workplace safety trainings, including Fire Safety, Back Injury Prevention, and Sexual Harassment Prevention.
What truly sets us apart is our flexibility, innovation, and personal approach. We travel on location to provide our services directly to clients and create customized safety and training packages designed to meet their specific needs—whether it’s for corporations, schools, daycares, or community organizations. For clients who prefer to come to us, we also have several satellite offices conveniently located throughout South Florida and beyond.
We take pride in teaching the most current and updated safety standards using the most advanced, industry-approved equipment available. Most importantly, our goal is for every client to recognize the signs and symptoms of potential health emergencies and to feel confident enough to respond when it matters most. Our classes are practical, engaging, active, and informative—we make learning enjoyable while ensuring every participant walks away empowered and ready to take action.
Our reach extends locally and internationally. We’ve had the privilege of training and certifying firefighters in Bermuda through our partnership with Steven Caine, CEO of Fire Life & Safety Associates, and we collaborate with The Related Group, Liberty United service providers, and the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce to promote community safety and collaboration.
We also proudly partner with the HSI Homeland Security Explorers Post 1811, Family Christian Association of America, and Tiandre’s Treasure Chest Inc. to support youth and community safety initiatives. At Lincoln Gardens Apartments and Liberty Square Community Center, we partner with Mrs. Tiquana Deloach, CEO of Light House Angels, to provide senior citizen emergency response education and outreach programming. We also work with Cheretha Ferguson, Territory Development Representative for Simply Healthcare, to deliver senior safety and health education programs throughout Broward County.
What I’m most proud of brand-wise is that A&T Health and Safety Institute 2000 LLC is more than a business—it’s a calling. Every class, every certification, every partnership, and every piece of equipment we distribute represents another opportunity to save a life and build a culture of preparedness.
Our motto says it best:
“Extending Lives, One Training at a Time.”
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is integrity, service, and extending lives. Everything I do—whether it’s teaching a CPR class, equipping a business with an AED, or mentoring youth—is rooted in those three principles. I believe that when you walk in integrity and serve others from a place of genuine care, the impact lasts far beyond the moment.
I’ve learned that every person deserves the chance to be equipped with knowledge that could extend a life—whether it’s their child, their co-worker, or a stranger in need. That’s why I take this work so personally. It’s not just about certification—it’s about confidence, compassion, and community.
Faith also plays a huge role in what matters most to me. I know that the calling God placed on my life is bigger than business—it’s about purpose. Every training session, partnership, or outreach program is another opportunity to make a difference. When someone walks away from a class knowing they have the power to extend a life, that’s when I know I’ve done what I was called to do.
At the end of the day, what matters most is leaving a legacy of service—helping people feel prepared, protected, and empowered. That’s what keeps me going every single day.
Pricing:
- CPR AED First Aid Adult/Pediatric $75 pp
- BLS for Health Care Provider $85 pp
- AVIRT (Active Violent Immediate Response Training) $75 pp
Contact Info:
- Website: https://athealthandsafety2000.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athealth2000?igsh=c2E3dDBkZHNiMGt1&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AandTHealth?
Image Credits
Tarea & Andre Lewis
Personal Photo Credit: Reg Stringfellow, CEO of B.Fly Photos
