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 cardiac emergency preparedness on campuses. This initiative addresses a critical public health issue: according to Association data, 9 out of 10 people who experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital die, often because they do not receive immediate CPR more than half of the time.
The grants support American Heart Association Heart Clubs, student-led organizations that promote physical and mental well-being while making community impact. Started in the 2024-2025 school year, there are now more than 250 such groups nationwide. The funding aims to strengthen the Association's nationwide movement to double survival rates from cardiac arrest by 2030.
For colleges, grants include funding for two CPR in Schools Kits with manikins and training materials, plus $500 to facilitate CPR training on campus. High school grants support creating Cardiac Emergency Response Plans, providing credentialed CPR First Aid AED training, raising awareness with CPR kits, and advocating for safer school policies. The Association publishes the official scientific guidelines for CPR, with the latest clinical guidelines appearing in their flagship journal Circulation on October 22, 2025.
The importance of this preparation was highlighted by Pia Scarfo Allocca, whose son Francesco experienced sudden cardiac arrest during basketball tryouts at Locust Valley High School in November 2025. "Once people knew what was happening, their training kicked in," Allocca said. "Someone started compressions. Someone grabbed the AED. My son is alive because his school was prepared."
Stacey E. Rosen, M.D., FAHA, volunteer president of the American Heart Association, emphasized that "preparation should be the norm, not the exception. 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 Nation of Lifesavers initiative seeks to turn bystanders into lifesavers, ensuring that anyone, anywhere is prepared to perform CPR during cardiac emergencies. The organization encourages people to join this effort by learning CPR through their resources. Walgreens serves as a proud national sponsor of Nation of Lifesavers, supporting this critical public health mission.
