American Heart Association and StreeHeat-Ministries place AED and CPR training kit in North Las Vegas to promote cardiac arrest readiness

LAS VEGAS, July 31, 2025— In a continued effort to build heart-safe communities across Nevada, the American Heart Association, devoted to changing the future to a world of healthier lives for all,  has teamed up with the non-profit organization StreeHeat-Ministries, Inc. to place an automated external defibrillator (AED) and provide cardiopulmonary resuscitations (CPR) training resources at Hidden Canyon Plaza in North Las Vegas.

This initiative supports the American Heart Association’s mission to create a Nation of Lifesavers™, empowering more individuals with the skills and confidence to respond during a cardiac arrest. Each year, more than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of the hospital in the United States – and 90% of these are fatal.[1]

North Las Vegas is a diverse community with 78.39% of the population identifying as Black/African American, Asian, American Indian/Alaskan Native, Hispanic/Latino, and several other races and ethnicities². According to an American Heart Association study, Black or Hispanic adults who experience a witnessed cardiac arrest outside the hospital are less likely than their white peers to receive life-saving CPR by a bystander³. In addition, 50.84% of the North Las Vegas population is female (49.16% male)². Women are less likely to receive bystander CPR because rescuers often fear accusations of inappropriate touching, sexual assault or injuring the victim⁴.

As part of this effort, StreeHeat-Ministries has developed and adopted a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP)—a structured guide outlining how to act swiftly and effectively in the event of cardiac arrest. The plan includes AED access and CPR training for key staff and volunteers, significantly enhancing emergency preparedness and the potential for lifesaving outcomes in the community.

To further support this initiative, StreeHeat-Ministries hosted a Hands-Only CPR training session for local small businesses within Hidden Canyon Plaza. Participants learned to recognize the signs of cardiac arrest and how immediate action can save lives. The organization will continue to use CPR training kits to educate volunteers and neighboring businesses.

“The volunteers that participated learned so much, “said George Vaughn, president of StreeHeat Ministries. “Thanks to the American Heart Association’s grant for our organization to purchase an AED, we have equipment to better serve our community in the event of a cardiac arrest emergency.”

“StreeHeat-Ministries may operate from a small space, but their impact is enormous,” said Nichole Monzon, community impact director for the American Heart Association. “From running a year-round food bank to supporting local families with back-to-school and holiday events, and ministering to the homeless, their commitment to community wellness is inspiring.”

Additional Resources:

• CPR Fact Sheet
• Hands-Only CPR
• Black, Hispanic adults less likely to receive CPR, especially in public
• CPR for Women | American Heart Association CPR & First Aid

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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, on Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

For Media Inquiries: 

Christopher Calloway, chirstopher.calloway@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org