American Heart Association turns bystanders into lifesavers by building a nation ready to act

Business Journals

2 days ago

In the split second it takes for a heart to stop, everything changes. For the 350,000 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside of hospitals each year, survival often hinges on one factor: whether someone nearby knows how to respond. Yet 7 in 10 people in America say they feel powerless to act in a cardiac emergency. As a result, fewer than half of cardiac arrest victims receive CPR from bystanders before professional help arrives.
That is a gap the American Heart Association is determined to close.
As the world's leading voluntary health organization dedicated to longer, healthier lives, the Association is taking bold steps through its Nation of Lifesavers™ initiative, a nationwide movement to turn bystanders into lifesavers. At the heart of this mission is a commitment to ensure that everyone is equipped with the skills to perform CPR and use an AED (automated external defibrillator). These are not just tools — they are the difference between life and death.
Take Matt Clark's story as a powerful example. In 2020, while piloting a transatlantic Delta Air Lines flight, Clark suffered a sudden cardiac arrest midair. His co-pilot, Te Lee, immediately began administering chest compressions and directed another crew member to retrieve the onboard AED. Thanks to their quick response and the availability of an AED, Clark's life was saved and the crew was able to safely land the plane so he could receive further medical care.
He later received an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) to protect him in the future. It was the combination of emergency preparedness, advanced technology and the ongoing research and advocacy supported by the American Heart Association that made this lifesaving outcome possible.
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That same commitment to readiness is now taking root across Atlanta, where community organizations are helping to build a stronger chain of survival. With the support of several local companies and partners, thousands of individuals have gained access to lifesaving CPR education.
Youth-focused groups such as the Georgia Youth Football League Conference and Soccer in the Streets, along with faith-based organizations like First Baptist East Point and Dream Church, have been empowered with the tools and training to respond in cardiac emergencies. Other nonprofits such as At-Promise Atlanta and Special Kneads and Treats, LLC have also joined the movement. Each received CPR training kits, funding for certification and access to AEDs — ensuring that more people across the community are prepared to save lives when every second counts.
Creating a Nation of Lifesavers goes beyond education and awareness — it also requires meaningful policy change at both the federal and state levels. To support this effort, the American Heart Association has endorsed the federal Access to AEDs Act, which would establish a grant program to help K–12 schools provide CPR and AED training, purchase lifesaving devices and implement Cardiac Emergency Response Plans (CERPs) designed to reduce fatalities from sudden cardiac arrest in school settings.
In Georgia, that commitment is becoming a reality. Beginning July 1, 2025, all schools across the state will be required to have a CERP in place. These plans mandate CPR certification for designated staff members and the implementation of practice drills to ensure readiness in the event of a cardiac emergency. Additionally, state funding has been allocated to help schools acquire the resources needed to meet CPR education requirements — an essential component of Georgia's high school graduation standards.
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Everyone has the power to make a difference in a cardiac emergency. Whether you're at school, on a sports field, at church or even in the air, knowing how to respond can save a life. That's what the American Heart Association's Nation of Lifesavers™ initiative is all about — giving people the skills and confidence to step in when it matters most.
Learning CPR and how to use an AED doesn't take long, but it can mean everything to someone in need. You don't have to be a medical professional to help. You just have to be ready.
Together, we can close the gap, strengthen our communities and create a future where no one dies from cardiac arrest simply because help didn't come in time. The next life saved could be someone you love — or it could be yours. The time to become a lifesaver is now.
To learn more about the Nation of Lifesavers and how you can support, visit www.heart.org/atlanta.