WASHINGTON, May 29, 2025 — More than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of hospitals in the United States every year and tragically, 90% are fatal, according to the American Heart Association, a global force changing the future of health for all. When someone’s heart stops, immediate CPR and automated external defibrillator (AED) use can double or even triple their chance of surviving. Yet less than half of people experiencing sudden cardiac arrest receive the help they need from a bystander. 

That is why the American Heart Association is receiving support from Walgreens’ locations across the nation to give individuals a chance to be part of the progress to overcome today’s biggest health challenges. Through the American Heart Association’s Life Is Why™ campaign, people can support the fight against cardiovascular disease by donating at checkout, in-store and online, while celebrating their personal reasons for living longer, healthier lives. Retailers and brands like Walgreens are stepping up to help make this lifesaving campaign possible.

From May 19 – June 7, Walgreens will provide shoppers the opportunity to donate in a quick and easy way to support the mission of the American Heart Association by adding a donation onto their purchase at checkout. Participating stores are located across the country, including Eastern States regions, Washington, DC and Northern New Jersey, as well as Chicago; Detroit; Houston; Indianapolis; Jacksonville, FL; Lexington, KY; Los Angeles and Orlando, FL.

The company will also mobilize its team members and pharmacists, customers and communities to increase CPR readiness through access, education and awareness. The initiative will include both in-store and in-community activations, as well as grassroots educational efforts, to help advance CPR preparedness and training and equip communities with tools and resources. 

"We serve approximately 9 million people each day. We witness firsthand the impact of sudden cardiac arrest when the tools to treat it are not immediately available,” said Tim Wentworth, Walgreens Boots Alliance chief executive officer and a long-time member of the American Heart Association’s CEO Roundtable. "Our relationship with the American Heart Association will help ensure that Walgreens’ team members and customers alike have the access, knowledge and resources to save a life in the event of a cardiac emergency." 

Donations through the Life is Why campaign—no matter the amount—allow the Association to implement initiatives such as:

  • Fund research that can improve health outcomes for heart and stroke patients.
  • Train more than 2.5 million high school students in CPR annually.
  • Support the work of local entrepreneurs and organizations working to improve health outcomes in under-resourced communities.

“The public is clearly willing to learn when they become aware. Our goal now is to teach them how to respond,” said Jairo Mejia, MD, FACP, CPE, American Heart Association Chicago Board President and Chief Medical Officer with ACCESS Community Health Network. “Bystander CPR rates must increase from current levels to impact the overall survival rate. And that is critical since chances are, the life you save will be someone you love.”

To learn more about the Life is Why campaign and other participating companies, please visit www.heart.org/lifeiswhy.

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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: 214-706-1173

Hannah Ross: hannah.ross@heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org