American Heart Association brings life-saving plan to Freedom Temple
INDIANAPOLIS (Dec. 4, 2025) – The American Heart Association continues to build a Nation of Lifesavers in Central Indiana. The Heart Association, with sponsorship from Round Room, is implementing a cardiac emergency response plan (CERP) at Freedom Temple Church of God in Christ in Indianapolis, the first such plan at a church in Indianapolis.
The plan will equip the church with two CPR kits that each have 10 mannikins, an automated external defibrillator (AED) and a written plan to respond to cardiac emergencies. In addition, three church members will receive Heartsaver CPR training. Those individuals will then be able to train additional church members.
“We continue to see great interest from community organizations and businesses alike in increasing their preparedness for cardiac emergencies,” said Haley Rudolph, executive director of the American Heart Association in Indianapolis. “These plans allow for quick activation of the chain of survival – calling 911, starting effective CPR and using an AED if necessary.
“The added benefit of these plans is that people who learn these skills at their business or organization take those skills with them wherever they work, worship and play.”
Freedom Temple is located at 2101 Brookside Ave. on the near east side of Indianapolis.
"It is my desire and prayer to God that Freedom Temple's congregation be well and healthy,” said Pastor Charles Sanders. “I am so thankful that the American Heart Association would take the time to share information that is much needed in our community. It is so important.”
Developing CERPs with schools, businesses and community organizations is part of the Heart Association’s Nation of Lifesavers initiative, which has a goal of doubling the survival of cardiac arrest by 2030 and ensuring that at least one person in every household knows how to perform CPR.
When cardiac arrest occurs outside of a hospital, survival more than doubles when people nearby take action by dialing 911, starting CPR and using a publicly available AED compared to waiting for emergency responders to arrive.
Earlier this year, the Association led lobbying efforts at the Indiana statehouse to pass a law requiring all schools in the state to develop CERPs that will include plans for extracurricular activities such as sporting events, marching band contests and more. The Association also worked with the Indianapolis Airport Authority to develop a first-of-its-kind CERP that includes CPR training for all 13,000 people who work at the airport.
###
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.
For Media Inquiries:
Tim Harms, tim.harms@heart.org,
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
