By Katie Boggs, CSG Development Coordinator
The American Heart Association, a CSG private sector partner and Premier Associate, shares the importance of providing emergency response instruction and encourages individuals to join the Nation of Lifesavers movement in support of CPR and AED Awareness Week.
Established in 2007 by the American Heart Association, American Red Cross and the National Safety Council, national CPR and AED Awareness Week takes place June 1-7 each year. In a 2024 study on heart disease and stroke statistics, the American Heart Association found that more than 350,000 individuals in the U.S. experience cardiac arrest outside of hospitals every year. Also included in this report, nearly three-fourths of occurrences happen in homes and, tragically, only around 10% are nonfatal. In these instances, the use of CPR and an automated external defibrillator (AED) can double or sometimes triple someone’s chances of survival. However, less than 50% of individuals suffering from sudden cardiac arrest encounter the assistance needed from a bystander before professional help arrives.
The Nation of Lifesavers, an initiative created by the American Heart Association in 2023, is dedicated to sharing vital information on how to provide CPR, as well as prepare and act when medical emergencies occur. As an online community and resource, the Nation of Lifesavers offers free access to digital courses, assists in directing individuals to in-person skill training sessions available near them, and shares personal stories that show the real-life impact of CPR.
At the American Heart Association, we are working to change the future of health for everyone everywhere. The American Heart Association has set a bold goal to double the survival rate for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests by the year 2030. But we know we can’t do it alone — survival and recovery are dependent on immediate action.
Nancy Brown
CEO, American Heart Association
In January 2023, nearly seven out of 10 adults in the U.S. reported not feeling confident in their ability to act during a cardiac emergency. Comparing data over the past two years, the American Heart Association has seen a 6% rise in bystander confidence among adults’ ability to perform CPR, increasing from 33% to 39%. Now, 17.7 million more individuals share that they feel added confidence in acting in a lifesaving emergency.
The American Heart Association is also working to improve lives and advance healthier communities by supporting schools to help prepare teachers and students to respond in cardiac emergencies. In partnership with Parent Heart Watch and Project ADAM, the American Heart Association offers planning assistance and resources for organizations and schools to create and implement Cardiac Emergency Response Plans (CREP). Following this work, 17 states now require schools to establish cardiac emergency response plans along with CPR training and AED placement as of May 1.
“Our strategy is working. This increase in confidence to perform CPR is confirmation and represents not only the success in our awareness and education efforts, but more importantly, the additional lives saved when someone with training responds in an emergency. Cardiac arrest can affect anyone, regardless of age or health — even the youngest among us are not immune. Be ready when it matters most.”
CPR and AED Awareness Week offers a variety of ways to participate, but also highlights the importance of practicing and being prepared to act when a cardiac emergency occurs. In addition to enhancing public awareness, the American Heart Association produced its “2025 CPR and AED Awareness Week Elected Official Toolkit” as a resource for state lawmakers to share valuable, lifesaving information that impacts nearly all of their constituents, to raise awareness and to encourage CPR training.
For more information about the toolkit for elected officials, please contact Jeff Ranous at [email protected]. You can also learn more about the American Heart Association by visiting heart.org/en/about-us.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
About CSG Associates in Action
Associates in Action articles highlight CSG Associates’ philanthropic efforts and public-private partnerships throughout the states.