TULSA, Okla., Jan. 23, 2024 — The American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, is inviting Oklahomans to “Red out the Rink” at the Tulsa Oilers hockey game on National Wear Red Day, Friday Feb. 2 at the BOK Center.

National Wear Red Day occurs the first Friday of every February and is celebrated in conjunction with National Heart Month. This year, the Tulsa Oilers hockey team will be playing the Utah Grizzlies on Wear Red Day, and the Association is encouraging sports fans to attend the game and wear red to bring awareness to heart health and to learn life-saving hands-only CPR. American Heart Association-Tulsa's volunteers will be teaching CPR alongside the Oilers’ mascot, Sledge. The puck drops at 7:05 p.m.

Each year, more than 350,000 people suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in the United States. Only about 10 percent of those people survive. This year the Association is asking the public to join the Nation of Lifesavers by making sure at least one person in every household or family learns hands-only CPR. If called on to do CPR, you will likely be saving the life of someone you love: a spouse, parent, friend or other family member.

"The Tulsa Oilers love giving back to the community that supports us so much," said Oilers general manager Taylor Hall. "Our community is the reason why we are one of the oldest professional hockey franchises in the world, and we are heavily invested in its well-being. Teaming up with the American Heart Association is a great way to bring awareness to an organization that also has every Oklahoman's health and happiness at heart."

Following the game, the Oilers will be auctioning off the Oilers’ players’ game jerseys emblazoned with the American Association’s logo. A portion of proceeds from the jersey auction will go back to the life-saving mission of the Association.

“This event, now in its second year, is not only fun, but helps us reach more people with valuable CPR training,” said American Heart Association-Tulsa Executive Director Susan Brehm.

There are two simple steps to performing hands-only: First call 9-1-1, then push hard and fast in the center of the person’s chest at a rate of 100 beats per minute (bpm). The Bee Gees song “Stayin’ Alive,” grooves to the minimum rate you should push on the chest during hands-only CPR. (A playlist with other popular songs with the same number of bpm can be found on Spotify under “Don’t Drop the Beat.”)

To learn more about the hands-only CPR campaign and learn how to save a life, visit www.heart.org/handsonlycpr

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

For Media Inquiries

Cyd King: M 479.263.8473; cyd.king@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org