MYRTLE BEACH, S.C., August 22, 2025 — More than 350,000 people in the U.S. experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital each year, according to research from the American Heart Association, a global force for longer, healthier lives. CPR, especially if performed immediately, can double or triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival.

This is why the American Heart Association, with support from HTC, is providing CPR in Schools Training Kits to Horry County Schools. Kits were recently provided to North Myrtle Beach High School, Loris High School, and Academy for the Arts, Science, & Technology. The Association will provide kits to additional Horry County High Schools in future years.

“We are thankful to HTC for their support of our CPR in Schools initiative,” said Lindsay Pampani, American Heart Association development director, Myrtle Beach. “Knowing how to respond in a cardiac emergency can be the difference between life and death and we are excited to add hundreds of Horry County students to the Nation of Lifesavers.”

South Carolina law requires high school students to receive CPR instruction before graduation, including Hands-Only CPR and awareness of automated external defibrillators (AEDs). The Association’s CPR in Schools Training Kit gives students the opportunity to practice their lifesaving skills on a manikin, and the reusable kits can be used to train hundreds of people year after year.

“This generous donation from the American Heart Association and HTC is going to help us teach our students CPR so they are able to go out into the community and render first aid in any situation,” said Scott Cyganiewicz, majors teacher at the Academy for the Arts, Sciences, and Technology.

“We at HTC are deeply committed to the community we serve and are excited to support this initiative in Horry County,” said Samantha Cherry, marketing coordinator, HTC. “HTC also stands for “Helping the Community,” and by supporting the American Heart Association’s CPR in Schools efforts, we are providing education that can help your family, friends, and neighbors.”

Hands-Only CPR education is just one part of the American Heart Association’s effort to make schools safer. Lives are saved when people are trained, confident, and ready to act. The Association is urging South Carolina lawmakers to pass the Smart Heart Act, which would require every South Carolina public school to implement a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan. By having a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan in place, school staff will be ready to act in the event of a cardiac emergency on school grounds. The Association encourages teachers, students, coaches, parents, and healthcare professionals to contact their legislators, commissioners, and school board members to support this lifesaving policy. To learn more about the Smart Heart Act, visit HeartPowered.org.           

To learn more about Hands-Only CPR, visit 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. 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:

Jessica Rodgers: Jessica.rodgers@heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org