The American Heart Association (AHA) and Walgreens have announced a collaboration to promote CPR awareness and training across the United States. This partnership supports the AHA's Nation of Lifesavers initiative, which aims to double cardiac arrest survival rates by transforming bystanders into lifesavers.
Cardiac arrests outside hospitals affect over 350,000 people annually in the U.S., with a fatality rate of 90%. Immediate CPR and AED use can significantly increase survival chances, yet less than half of those experiencing sudden cardiac arrest receive timely assistance from bystanders.
Walgreens has committed $15 million over several years to support the AHA's efforts. This includes a point-of-sale donation campaign aimed at enhancing CPR readiness through education and awareness. The company plans to engage its team members, customers, and communities in this initiative through various activities both in-store and within communities.
Marsha Jones, volunteer chairperson of the AHA, emphasized the importance of immediate action for survival and recovery during cardiac emergencies. "By extending our reach to the millions of people who visit Walgreens," she said, "we know that we can connect with people who might be willing to step in during an emergency but lack the skills or confidence to act."
Tim Wentworth, CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance, highlighted their daily interaction with approximately nine million people as an opportunity to provide access and resources necessary for saving lives during cardiac emergencies.
According to recent survey data from the AHA, public willingness to perform CPR has increased since the launch of Nation of Lifesavers in 2023. Following a high-profile incident involving Damar Hamlin during Monday Night Football in January 2023, there was a notable rise in bystander confidence regarding CPR performance.
Jones stated that increasing bystander CPR rates is crucial for improving overall survival rates. "The public is clearly willing to learn when they become aware," she noted. "Our goal now is to teach them how to act."
For more information on finding a nearby CPR class or learning more about these initiatives, individuals are encouraged to visit heart.org/nation.