During CPR & AED Awareness Week, the American Heart Association, a global force changing the future of health of all, is spotlighting the urgent need for CPR education, AED access and strong public policies that can save lives from cardiac arrest. Building on the momentum of a successful two-year campaign to pass the bipartisan Cardiomyopathy Health Education, Awareness, Research and Training in Schools (HEARTS) Act, the Association today released the following statement, calling on Congress to fund the law through the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations process:
"As Congress begins work on the FY26 budget, the American Heart Association urges lawmakers to fully fund the HEARTS Act – a bipartisan law passed unanimously and signed in 2024. This legislation is a critical step toward building a Nation of Lifesavers and doubling survival rates from cardiac arrest.
"Every year, more than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of hospitals in the U.S., and 90% of them are fatal. Among them are over 23,000 children – with 40% of those cases linked to sports. The HEARTS Act creates a grant program at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to help schools nationwide implement cardiac emergency response plans, provide CPR and AED training and purchase lifesaving equipment.
"Since Damar Hamlin was revived on the field during Monday Night Football in January 2023, 17.7 million more adults in the U.S. have gained the confidence to perform CPR – bringing the total to 103 million, or 39% of the adult population. When people nearby know how to respond – by calling 911, starting Hands-Only CPR, and using an AED – lives are saved.
"During CPR & AED Awareness Week, we are reminded that every second counts in a cardiac emergency. That's why we're calling on Congress to prioritize the safety and well-being of people across the country by investing $50 million annually for five years to support this lifesaving program."
