American Heart Association receives grant for critical CPR education in Eastern Oregon schools
PORTLAND, Ore., December 19, 2025 — Eastern Oregon school children across Morrow, Umatilla, Union, and Wallowa Counties will get to learn the lifesaving skill of CPR, thanks to the American Heart Association and a $23,470 grant from the Wildhorse Foundation. The grant allows the placement of 30 CPR in Schools® with First Aid training kits that will enable students to learn Hands-Only CPR, the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) and choking relief in just one class period
The American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, is on a mission to build the next generation of lifesavers and has set a goal of doubling the survival from cardiac arrest by 2030. Statistics show that more than 350,000 people suffer cardiac arrest outside the hospital each year and nine out of ten victims will lose their life. 1 In order to save more lives, the Association’s Nation of Lifesavers initiative aims to increase the number of people ready to respond to cardiac arrest by calling 911, delivering high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and using an AED.
The Wildhorse Foundation funding will enable the Association to implement CPR training for students and staff in the following Oregon schools:
- La Grande School District in La Grande
- Milton-Freewater Unified School District in Milton-Freewater
- Enterprise High School in Enterprise
- Stanfield School District in Stanfield
- Umatilla High School in Umatilla
- Wallowa School District in Wallowa
Oregonian, Lynn Wiles, knows the importance of CPR training firsthand. When her husband, Kent, found her lifeless on the dining room floor after bringing in some groceries, he jumped into action. After calling 911 and putting his phone on speaker, Kent channeled the CPR skills he learned in college as a lifeguard. He followed the 911 operator’s instructions and performed chest compressions and breaths until paramedics arrived and administered shocks with an AED, bringing Lynn back.
With more than 70 percent of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest taking place in the home, CPR is the difference between life and death for those we love most.2 When it’s performed immediately, CPR can double or triple a person’s chance of survival.3 Supporting evidence shows that children 12 years old or older can be taught effective CPR and defibrillation, according to the Association’s 2025 CPR guidelines update.4 To learn more about CPR, visit heart.org/nation.
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Additional Resources:
- Hands-Only CPR vs CPR with Breaths
- Cardiac Arrest vs. Heart Attack
- News Release: Updated CPR guidelines tackle choking response, opioid-related emergencies and a revised Chain of Survival
- Leer en español
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:
Jay Wintermeyer, jay.wintermeyer@heart.org
1 https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001123 (2023 American Heart Association Stats Update)
2 https://mycares.net/sitepages/uploads/2024/2023_flipbook/index.html?page=32
