FARGO, N.D., (February 26, 2025) — The American Heart Association and Essentia Health in Fargo are working together to empower companies across North Dakota to be prepared to act in a cardiac emergency by distributing CPR Anytime® Kits to businesses.
12 worksites in communities across North Dakota each received four kits, which allows anyone to learn basic lifesaving skills in about 20 minutes. The CPR Anytime® Kits are funded by Essentia Health and include instructional materials and practice tools, allowing individuals to learn and rehearse CPR techniques at their convenience. Essentia Health will also assist with providing education on how to use the kits for employee training. Through these kits, the AHA and Essentia Health aim to empower individuals with life-saving knowledge and skills.
“Increasing the number of individuals who are trained to act in a cardiac emergency is vital to the health of our communities,” said Ryan Telford, chest pain center and STEMI program manager at Essentia Health. “Early CPR is a key step in the chain of survival for those experiencing cardiac arrest, which means we are equipping people across our state to become lifesavers.”
The American Heart Association has set a goal of doubling the survival of cardiac arrest by 2030. In order to save more lives from the 350,000 cardiac arrests that occur outside of the hospital every year, the Association seeks to increase the number of people who respond to cardiac arrest by calling 911, delivering high-quality CPR and getting and using an AED as soon as it is available.
Currently 90% of people who experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital die, in part because they do not receive CPR more than half of the time. CPR, especially if performed immediately, can double or triple a person’s chance of survival.
"We are deeply grateful to Essentia Health for their generous sponsorship of this crucial initiative," said Jessica Lundgren, senior school engagement director for the American Heart Association in North Dakota. "With these kits, we hope to provide individuals across our state with the confidence and competence they need to act swiftly and effectively in the event of a cardiac emergency."
For more information visit http://cpr.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. 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.
About Essentia Health
Essentia Health’s mission is to make a healthy difference in people’s lives. We relentlessly pursue that mission at our 14 hospitals, 80 clinics, 29 retail pharmacies, six long-term care facilities, three assisted living facilities, three independent living facilities, seven ambulance services and one research institute. Essentia has about 15,500 employees, including 2,350 physicians and advanced practitioners who provide expert, compassionate care. We’re privileged to serve patients in Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin.
For Media Inquiries:
Chrissy Meyer; chrissy.meyer@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
