Walgreens and American Heart Association Partner to Nationwide CPR Awareness and Training Initiative

The collaboration between Walgreens and the American Heart Association marks a significant step forward in addressing a pressing public health issue: the high incidence of fatal cardiac arrests occurring outside hospital settings. With more than 350,000 such incidents annually in the United States, and a staggering 90% fatality rate, the need for widespread CPR education and preparedness has never been more critical. The Nation of Lifesavers initiative, backed by a $15 million commitment from Walgreens, seeks to empower millions of Americans with the knowledge and confidence to perform CPR, potentially saving countless lives.

The initiative comes at a time when public awareness and willingness to learn CPR are on the rise, partly influenced by high-profile incidents such as the cardiac event involving NFL player Damar Hamlin in 2023. This event has notably increased bystander confidence in performing CPR, a trend that the partnership aims to capitalize on. By leveraging Walgreens' vast community reach and the American Heart Association's expertise in cardiovascular health, the program is poised to make a substantial impact on public health outcomes.

Tim Wentworth, CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance, and Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association, both emphasize the transformative potential of this partnership. By providing team members and customers with the necessary training and resources, the initiative not only aims to improve individual confidence in performing CPR but also to double the survival rates of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests by 2030. Through a combination of in-store activations, community-based programs, and educational efforts, the Nation of Lifesavers initiative represents a comprehensive approach to tackling a critical gap in emergency medical response.

The implications of this partnership extend far beyond the immediate benefits of increased CPR training. By fostering a culture of preparedness and responsiveness, the initiative has the potential to significantly alter the landscape of emergency medical care in the United States. For the millions of Americans who visit Walgreens daily, the opportunity to learn life-saving skills could not only change individual lives but also contribute to a broader societal shift towards greater health resilience and community support in times of crisis.