LITTLE ROCK, Ark., June 10, 2025 — The 88 young women competing for the titles of Miss Arkansas and Miss Arkansas’ Teen took time Sunday and Monday to learn Hands-Only CPR, a key step in the out-of-hospital chain of survival following sudden cardiac arrest. The training, called the CPR Experience, was led by American Heart Association-Central Arkansas advocates Sophe Sligh, 2024 Miss Arkansas’ Teen Bella Crowe and Miss Arkansas 2023 Cori Keller at Robinson Center.

Cardiac arrest strikes more than 350,000 Americans outside of hospitals each year. Of those, 23,000 are children. Most victims won’t survive, with a staggeringly low survival rate of only about 10%. The American Heart Association, devoted to changing the future to a world of healthier lives for all, is turning bystanders into lifesavers through its Nation of Lifesavers™ initiative. The goal is to reach 16 million people with CPR certification, training or awareness, which equates to about one person in every household.

“Teaching Hands-Only CPR to the Miss Arkansas and Miss Arkansas’ Teen contestants was a chance to equip young women with the power to save a life,” said Sligh. “As a registered nurse, I’ve seen how just one set of hands and one brave heart can make all the difference. These young women already inspire others, and now they’ll be ready to act when it matters most.”

The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement and the Miss America’s Scholarship Foundation have a collaborative alliance focused on promoting heart health education and awareness. Go Red for Women, now in its 21st year, aims to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease (CVD) as the leading cause of death among women, and in particular, the disparities in women receiving bystander CPR at lower rates than men.

This alliance involves educating and empowering Miss America's participants at local, state and national levels about heart health. The collaboration includes public awareness campaigns and community outreach efforts to spread the message about heart health and encourage women to take charge of their well-being.

The Miss Arkansas competition continues at Robinson Auditorium this week with Miss Arkansas' Teen being crowned on Friday June 13 and Miss Arkansas being named on Saturday June 14.

For information on how to become an American Heart Association advocate, contact Allison Hogue at Allison.Hogue@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 100 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 or X by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.   

About Go Red for Women®  

The American Heart Association’s signature initiative, Go Red for Women®, is a comprehensive platform designed to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally. While the majority of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, claiming the lives of 1 in 3 women. For more than two decades, Go Red for Women has encouraged awareness. The movement harnesses the energy, passion and power of women to band together and collectively wipe out heart disease. It challenges them to know their risk for heart disease and take action to reduce their personal risk. It also gives them tools they need to lead a heart healthy life. The Go Red for Women movement is nationally sponsored by CVS Health, with additional support from national cause supporters. For more information, please visit GoRedforWomen.org or call 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721).  

For Media Inquiries

Cyd King: cyd.king@heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org