Empowering the Next Generation: New Grants for CPR Training in Schools

Introduction

In a remarkable move to enhance the safety of school environments across the nation, the American Heart Association (AHA) has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative on World Restart a Heart Day. This initiative introduces a new financial grant program designed to empower 40 high school and college Heart Clubs by providing them with comprehensive CPR training and resources. This effort is not merely about education; it is a bold step towards transforming campuses into safer spaces, prepared to respond effectively to cardiac emergencies.

The Heart of the Initiative

Nayan Sapers, a dedicated American Heart Association Volunteer National Youth Leadership Council member and the founder of CrimsonEMS Ambassador CPR Program at Harvard College, articulates a compelling argument. Sapers highlights the crucial need for preparedness in the face of cardiac emergencies, drawing a parallel with the universal knowledge of fire safety protocols in schools. With over 350,000 cardiac arrests occurring outside hospital settings annually, the urgency for widespread CPR skills among the populace becomes glaringly evident. The Heart Club grants aim to address this need head-on, equipping students and educators with the lifesaving skills necessary to significantly increase survival rates from cardiac arrest.

Empowering Students and Educators

The AHA's Heart Clubs serve as student-led conduits for change, promoting physical and mental well-being while making a tangible impact within their communities. These clubs, which have seen a proliferation to over 250 across the U.S. since the 2024-2025 school year, now have an opportunity to further their mission. Specifically, twenty college grants will provide essential resources, including CPR in Schools Kits and funding to facilitate campus-wide CPR training sessions. Likewise, twenty high school grants aim to foster safer school environments through the development of Cardiac Emergency Response Plans, CPR First Aid AED training, and advocacy for public policies enhancing school safety.

A Nation of Lifesavers

Stacey E. Rosen, M.D., FAHA, volunteer president of the American Heart Association, underscores the importance of integrating CPR training into the fabric of our culture, likening it to other rites of passage such as acquiring a driver's license. This initiative is part of the AHA's broader Nation of Lifesavers™ movement, which seeks to double survival rates from cardiac arrest by 2030. By turning bystanders into active lifesavers, the AHA is working to ensure that anyone, anywhere, can perform CPR and become a crucial link in the chain of survival.

Joining the Movement

The AHA encourages all registered Heart Clubs with a faculty advisor to apply for these grants, with no prior CPR credentialing required. With applications due by November 20 and winners to be announced on December 8, this initiative promises to make a significant impact on school safety and preparedness. Additionally, the AHA remains a global leader in resuscitation science, education, and training, continuously updating CPR guidelines to reflect the latest scientific advancements.

The American Heart Association's commitment to creating a world of longer, healthier lives extends beyond this grant program. By funding groundbreaking research, advocating for public health, and providing critical resources, the AHA aims to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. This initiative represents just one of the many ways the organization is working to advance health and transform lives every day.

For those interested in becoming a part of this lifesaving mission, additional resources and information on how to apply for a grant can be found on the American Heart Association's website. The time to act is now; by equipping our students and educators with the skills to perform CPR, we can indeed become a nation of lifesavers.