October 16, 2025 declared “Restart a Heart Day” in Washington, D.C.

WASHINGTON, D.C., Oct. 16, 2025 – Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has proclaimed October 16, 2025 as “World Restart a Heart Day” in the District of Columbia. 

More than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur annually in the United States, with up to 23,000 of those happening to people under 18 years old. In D.C. alone, nearly 1,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of a hospital each year with a less than 10% survival rate. Too often, cardiac arrests occur when children are away from trained teachers, coaches, or caregivers, making it critical for parents, guardians, and community members to be prepared to respond in an emergency. Bystander CPR and cardiac emergency response plans can double or even triple survival rates. In D.C., in instances where prompt CPR was administered before emergency responders arrived, survival rates increased to 45% in 2023.  

On World Restart a Heart Day, the American Heart Association invites everyone to join the Nation of Lifesavers by attending the Greater Washington Region Heart Walk on Nov. 1, visiting heart.org/nation, learning CPR, and supporting public policies that increase survival from cardiac arrest 

You can view the proclamation here. 

The Cardiac Planning and Response “CPR” Act passed unanimously in the D.C. Council last year, ensuring that all District schools and school-based sports facilities are prepared to respond to cardiac emergencies. Through its Hands on Heart program, D.C. Fire and EMS has taught more than 103,000 people hands-only CPR, and D.C.’s AED incentive program aims to close disparities in survival rates by making AEDs more accessible throughout the community. 

These are some of the stories of local Washingtonians who have saved lives using CPR or survived cardiac arrest thanks to quick action from bystanders. 

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