The American Heart Association has awarded Nation of Lifesavers grants to 33 high schools and colleges across 20 states and the District of Columbia to expand CPR training and emergency response capabilities on campuses. According to Association data, 9 out of every 10 people who experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital die, with more than half not receiving immediate CPR. These grants support the organization's nationwide movement to double survival rates from cardiac arrest by 2030.
The grants target American Heart Association Heart Clubs, student-led organizations that empower members to lead activities supporting physical and mental well-being. Started in the 2024-2025 school year, there are now more than 250 of these groups across the U.S. For colleges, the grants include funding for two CPR in Schools Kits with manikins and training materials, plus $500 to facilitate campus CPR training. High school grants will help develop Cardiac Emergency Response Plans, provide credentialed CPR First Aid AED training, and raise awareness with CPR in Schools Kits.
"Preparation should be the norm, not the exception," said Stacey E. Rosen, M.D., FAHA, volunteer president of the American Heart Association. "These Heart Club grants will support the student volunteers and teacher advocates across this country working to save lives through CPR training and education." The Association's initiative aims to turn a nation of bystanders into lifesavers, ensuring that anyone, anywhere is prepared to perform CPR during cardiac emergencies.
The importance of such preparedness was highlighted by Pia Scarfo Allocca, whose son Francesco experienced sudden cardiac arrest during basketball tryouts at Locust Valley High School in November 2025. "My son is alive because his school was prepared," Allocca said, noting that coaches immediately began compressions and used an AED. The American Heart Association, which publishes the official scientific guidelines for CPR in its flagship journal Circulation, is the worldwide leader in resuscitation science, education and training.
The Association's Nation of Lifesavers initiative encourages public participation through resources available at https://heart.org/nation, where individuals can learn CPR techniques. Additional educational materials, including the 2025 CPR Guidelines Highlights and Hands-Only CPR resources, are accessible through the Association's platforms. Walgreens serves as a national sponsor of the Nation of Lifesavers program, supporting the broader goal of creating communities where emergency response is swift and effective.
