Charlotte Community CPR Education Boosted by $600,000 Partnership

The American Heart Association, in collaboration with The David & Nicole Tepper Foundation, has announced a $600,000 initiative to expand CPR education across Charlotte. This partnership focuses on training a wide range of community members, including coaches, athletes, sports league officials, Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Department personnel, and residents in affordable housing communities, to address the critical gap in cardiac emergency response capabilities.

With nearly 9 out of 10 individuals experiencing out-of-hospital cardiac arrests not receiving immediate CPR, the initiative is a timely intervention. Immediate CPR can double or triple a person's chance of survival, highlighting the potential life-saving impact of this program. The initiative gains further significance in the wake of Damar Hamlin's cardiac arrest during a 2023 NFL game, which underscored the importance of preparedness in cardiac emergencies.

The Tepper Foundation's commitment extends beyond financial support, with Tepper Sports & Entertainment staff and players being the first in the NFL to receive comprehensive Heartsaver® CPR AED courses. This move not only sets a precedent within the sports industry but also contributes to the growing public readiness to perform CPR, as evidenced by recent survey data showing an increase in confidence among adults from 30% to 35% between 2021 and 2023.

Nicole Tepper highlighted the foundation's dedication to cardiovascular health education, emphasizing the expansion of training services throughout Mecklenburg County. The initiative also addresses the stark reality that three out of four cardiac arrests occur in homes, making widespread CPR knowledge essential. Hands-Only CPR, a simple yet effective method involving calling 911 and performing chest compressions, is a key component of the training, proven to be crucial in the first minutes of a cardiac emergency.

This partnership not only aims to equip more individuals with life-saving skills but also aligns with the American Heart Association's ambitious goal to double sudden cardiac arrest survival rates by 2030. The initiative represents a critical step forward in community health and safety, demonstrating the power of collaboration between non-profit organizations and philanthropic foundations in addressing public health challenges.