American Heart Association Honors Black History Month with a Commitment to Empowering Health Equity through the Nation of Lifesavers™
MILWAUKEE, WI, Jan. 27, 2025 — Black or Hispanic adults who experience cardiac arrest outside a hospital setting are substantially less likely to receive lifesaving care from a bystander. The American Heart Association, devoted to world of healthier lives for all, is working to affect change by empowering members of these communities to learn lifesaving Hands-Only CPR. During Black History Month and in conjunction with American Heart Month, the American Heart Association is encouraging everyone everywhere to join National Ambassador and cardiac arrest survivor Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin in becoming a Nation of Lifesavers.
Seven in 10 people in America say they feel powerless to act in the face of a cardiac emergency. As a result, less than half of all people who need this lifesaving skill receive CPR from bystanders before professional help arrives.
Scientific studies in the U.S. indicate that the general public is less likely to initiate CPR for people experiencing cardiac arrest in low-income Black neighborhoods or in predominantly Hispanic neighborhoods than in high-income white neighborhoods.
Barriers include racism, poverty, discrimination, lack of affordable housing, quality education and access to health care – all disparities the American Heart Association is fighting to decrease. Studies have shown that CPR is less likely to be initiated for people experiencing cardiac arrest in low-income Black neighborhoods or in predominantly Hispanic neighborhoods than in high-income white neighborhoods.
“Black History Month is a powerful reminder of the resilience and contributions of Black Americans throughout history, as well as the persistent disparities in health that impact Black communities today,” Milwaukee American Heart Association Executive Director Katie Connolly said. “Through the Nation of Lifesavers initiative, we’re not only equipping individuals with critical CPR skills, but we’re also working to close the health equity gap, so every individual has the opportunity for a longer, healthier life.”
Nation of Lifesavers is an initiative that focuses on empowering individuals with vital CPR skills, promoting heart-healthy lifestyles, and advocating for equitable healthcare. With heart disease being the leading cause of death among Black adults and the incidence of hypertension among Black Americans among the highest in the world, the Association’s mission to save lives and improve cardiovascular health is more crucial than ever.
The American Heart Association is collaborating with community leaders, local organizations, and healthcare professionals to provide hands-on CPR training, health screenings, and educational workshops. The Association aims to double cardiac emergency survival by 2030. This training is especially vital in underserved communities, where emergency response times are often delayed.
Currently, 90% of the 350,000 people who suffer an outside-of-the-hospital cardiac arrest every year die, partly because they do not receive CPR more than half the time. CPR, if performed immediately, can double or triple a person’s chance of survival.
When seconds matter most, CPR can make the difference in whether your friends and family survive. But not everyone knows how to perform CPR. Find a nearby class to take a course to learn the lifesaving skills of CPR, first aid, and AED. Or, individuals, families and friend groups can watch a 90-second Hands-Only CPR instructional video to learn the two steps of Hands-Only CPR: 1) Call 911 if you see a teen or adult suddenly collapse; and 2) Push hard and fast in the center of the chest to the beat of a familiar song that has 100 to 120 beats per minute. The easiest way to do that is to do compressions to the beat of a song.
A CPR playlist for Black History Month features numerous songs by Black musicians and performers, including Please Don't Stop the Music by Rihanna, You Got Me by The Roots, and Universal Mind Control by Common.
The life you save may be someone you love.
Additional Resources:
- Multimedia may be downloaded from the right column of the release link:
- Understanding the Importance of the Lay Responder Experience in Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association
- Difference in Cardiac Arrest vs. Heart Attack
- Learn Hands-Only CPR/use an AED (English, Spanish, Mandarin)
- AHA health information: Bystander CPR
- AHA health information: Bystander CPR Infographic
- AHA health information: Hands-Only CPR Resources
- Follow AHA/ASA news on X @HeartNews
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Local Media Inquiries:
Dan Truttschel,;dan.truttschel@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
