HOLLYWOOD, Fla., Sept. 29, 2025 — The American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, launched an Infant CPR Initiative with the Urban League of Broward County, during a special event held on September 16.
Thanks to the generosity of Community Care Plan, the American Heart Association donated 80 CPR Anytime® Training Kits to the Urban League to benefit mothers participating in the Healthy Start Project TOTTS (Together Our Tots Thrive & Survive) programs.
The event brought together leaders from the American Heart Association, Community Care Plan, and Urban League of Broward County to celebrate this life-saving initiative and highlight its importance for families living in neighborhoods with limited access to prenatal and postpartum care.
“Every parent and caregiver deserves access to the tools and education that could save their baby’s life,” said Ellice, Martinez, executive director, American Heart Association, Broward. “Thanks to this donation, families in our community will now have the knowledge and confidence to respond in an emergency and protect their infants.”
In Broward County, certain neighborhoods face significant barriers to maternal and infant care and experience disproportionately higher rates of infant mortality, particularly among Black infants. According to the American Heart Association, each year, more than 23,000 children experience a life-threatening event that requires CPR with nearly 20% of cases being in infants. Unlike adults and teens, CPR for infants and children requires rescue breaths, making this training essential for saving young lives. Through the American Heart Association’s Nation of Lifesavers initiative, the Association furthers its campaign to turn bystanders into lifesavers by encouraging people to learn Hands-Only CPR and act in emergencies.
“At Community Care Plan, our mission is to positively impact the health and wellness of the communities we serve,” said Jessica Lerner, president and chief executive officer, Community Care Plan. “Supporting this initiative is an investment in saving lives and empowering families with the knowledge to respond in an emergency.”
The Infant CPR Anytime® Training Kit teaches the lifesaving skills of infant CPR, choking relief, and infant injury prevention in about 30 minutes. Kits will be distributed to mothers and caregivers through the Urban League’s programs, offering an accessible and effective way to gain these skills at home or in a community setting.
“Our Community Doula and Healthy Start Project TOTTS programs are designed to close the gap in health disparities for underserved and marginalized mothers and infants.” said Sandra Despagne, health division manager, Urban League of Broward County.
The event marks a significant milestone in the American Heart Association’s commitment to advancing health equity and improving maternal and infant health outcomes in South Florida.
To learn more about CPR and training, visit www.heart.org/cpr.
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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: 214-706-1173
Melissa Solis, Melissa.Solis@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
