SUMTER, S.C. December 19, 2025 — Residents who visit Sumter’s North, South and Birnie Hope Centers now have greater access to lifesaving skills thanks to new CPR training kits provided by the American Heart Association.

The equipment was presented during the Sumter City Council meeting Monday, Dec. 16, and includes manikins, instructional materials and automated external defibrillator (AED) awareness information. The kits will allow the Hope Centers to offer ongoing Hands-Only CPR trainings to adults, teens and families throughout the year.

The donation supports the American Heart Association’s Nation of Lifesavers™ movement, which aims to ensure more people are prepared to act in a cardiac emergency.

“CPR can mean the difference between life and death, and bringing trainings into neighborhood centers makes it more accessible to everyone,” said Lizzie Tankersley, director of the American Heart Association, Midlands. “These Hope Centers are trusted spaces, and this investment helps create a safer, more prepared community.”

More than 350,000 people experience out-of-hospital cardiac arrest each year in the United States, according to the American Heart Association. Nearly 90% do not survive, but immediate CPR can double or triple survival rates.

The trainings are expected to have a ripple effect across the community, said Talmadge Tobias, 2026 Sumter Heart Walk chair.

“When everyday citizens know how to step in before first responders arrive during a cardiac emergency, lives can be saved,” Tobias said. “This is exactly the kind of impact the Heart Walk supports - stronger communities and healthier futures for Sumter families.”

The American Heart Association encourages everyone to learn Hands-Only CPR, which can be taught in minutes and does not require mouth-to-mouth breathing. To learn more or access free resources, visit heart.org.

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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:

Maranda Williams, maranda.williams@heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org