CLEVELAND (January 8, 2025) — The American Heart Association, a global force for a world of longer, healthier lives, has received $125,000 in grant funding from the OneOhio Recovery Foundation. The grant will go toward the Association’s efforts to address critical gaps identified in opioid overdose education and response programs across Ohio, specifically the absence of CPR training, including rescue breaths and chest compressions.
This need is particularly pressing in predominantly Black communities, where opioid-related deaths are rising, and access to resources is limited. These communities also experience lower rates of CPR training and bystander intervention, contributing to poorer outcomes in emergencies. The American Heart Association plans to use this funding to integrate CPR training into opioid education programs, prioritizing underserved areas to improve access to lifesaving skills and resources.
"By integrating CPR training into opioid education programs and focusing on underserved areas, we can empower individuals with lifesaving skills and address the disparities that have led to disproportionately poor outcomes in predominantly Black communities,” said Shelley Webber, executive director, American Heart Association. “This grant allows us to take meaningful steps toward saving lives and building a stronger, healthier future for everyone.”
The grant is part of an inaugural round of approximately $51 million in funding made available by the Foundation as part of its mission to combat the opioid epidemic by supporting prevention, treatment and recovery programs and services in our communities. The grant money was funded by 55 percent of settlement funds that Ohio is receiving from the pharmaceutical industry as a consequence of its role in the national opioid epidemic.
The grant received by the Association reflects the Foundation’s commitment to supporting organizations on the frontlines of the addiction epidemic by advancing efforts that foster more resilient, healthier communities across Ohio.
Across Ohio, organizations like the American Heart Association are working day in and day out to strengthen their communities that have been impacted by the opioid epidemic, said Alisha Nelson, Executive Director of the OneOhio Recovery Foundation.
“We’re pleased to partner with the American Heart Association to support their efforts to save lives, rebuild families affected by addiction, and foster strong and resilient places to live,” Nelson said.
The recipients announced as part of the Foundation’s first grant cycle were chosen after a robust review process that included evaluation by the local OneOhio Regional Board, the OneOhio Expert Panel and the Foundation’s Board of Directors.
Grant recipients have demonstrated a strong commitment to addressing the opioid crisis. The funded initiatives are evidenced-based and align with Ohio’s approved abatement strategies, including prevention, recovery supports, services for impacted families and children, and many more.
A complete list of recipients can be found at OneOhioFoundation.com/GrantAwards.
The Foundation had an overwhelming response to the 2024 Regional Grant application process, with more than a half-billion dollars in funding requests submitted for the $51 million available this cycle. Organizations and leaders seeking to submit applications in the future can sign up on the Foundation’s website here to receive updates.
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About the American Heart Association[HG1]
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, on Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
About the OneOhio Recovery Foundation
The OneOhio Recovery Foundation is a private, non-profit foundation created under the leadership of Governor Mike DeWine and Attorney General Dave Yost, and other state and local leaders, with the mission of advancing Ohio’s addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts now and into the future.
The Foundation is governed by a 29-member board from across Ohio and is funded by 55 percent of settlement funds that Ohio is receiving from the pharmaceutical industry as a consequence of its role in the national opioid epidemic. Funds support local efforts to prevent and combat addiction and are also invested to support those efforts for the long term.
For Media Inquiries:
Jordan Van Dootingh; Jordan.vandootingh@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
[HG1]Field Staff: if you are using this in 2025, please update this boilerplate to the new one. https://newsroom.heart.org/policies/boilerplates