PHOENIX, March 5, 2025 — Nine out of 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside of the hospital die. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), especially if performed immediately, can double or triple survival rates.[1] This February, during American Heart Month, companies across Phoenix are teaming up with the American Heart Association to change those odds. Through the Association’s Phoenix Heart Walk campaign, local businesses and corporations are helping build a community of lifesavers by sharing CPR resources.
Families can take action by visiting www.heart.org/nation and watching a 60-second video CPR instructional video, signing up for an online CPR course or obtaining a CPR Anytime Kit to practice in the privacy of their own home.
“Through the year-round Heart Walk initiative, we have the opportunity to empower thousands in the Phoenix metro area to take action and save lives by learning CPR,” said Brian Kellar, the 2025 Phoenix Heart Walk Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Banner Baywood Medical Center, Banner Goldfield Medical Center, Banner Heart Hospital and Banner Ironwood Medical Center. “During American Heart Month, we aim to help more people feel prepared to act in a cardiac emergency, driving us closer to our ultimate goal: ensuring at least one person in every household is equipped with the skills and confidence to save a life.”
The Heart Walk drives year-round action to fight heart disease and stroke and save more lives from cardiac arrest. In addition to raising critical funds, all registered participants can learn Hands-Only CPR—a simple technique involving chest compressions without mouth-to-mouth breaths. This method is scientifically proven to be just as effective in the first few minutes of a cardiac arrest for teens and adults. If someone collapses suddenly, bystanders should immediately call 911 and begin chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 beats per minute, pressing at least two inches deep.
The Phoenix Heart Walk will culminate in a community-wide celebration on March 29, 2025, where companies, families and individuals from across Phoenix will unite, walking together in their shared commitment to saving lives. Locally the campaign engages over 20,000 companies, employees and community members in the fight against heart disease and stroke.
To learn more about the 2025 Phoenix Heart Walk and how to get involved, visit www.phoenixheartwalk.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, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Satara Tinkler; satara.tinkler@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
