SACRAMENTO, Jan. 30, 2025 — Greater Valley resident Delaney Conway was only 6 years old when she collapsed in school due to cardiac arrest. Her life was saved, thanks to the swift CPR administered by her teachers. This February, as part of American Heart Month, Delaney's family, along with the American Heart Association — the leading voluntary health organization dedicated to creating a world of healthier lives for all — is urging Greater Valley families to learn CPR, a skill that could be the difference between life and death.
Unfortunately, Delaney's story is not unique. More than 350,000 people experience cardiac arrests outside of a hospital every year, and 90% do not survive.1 Nearly 70% of cardiac arrests happen at home, so it is likely that the person who needs CPR will be a family member or friend.2
The statistics for children are equally alarming. According to the American Heart Association, more than 23,000 children experience cardiac arrest each year. Of these, nearly 40% are sports-related, and 20% occur in infants. The American Heart Association is calling on everyday heroes — parents, teachers, and coaches — to learn CPR, ensuring every child has the best chance of survival in a cardiac emergency.
“Cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death in the world, yet only about 41% of people who experience it receive CPR from bystanders nearby before emergency responders arrive,” said American Heart Association Sacramento Board Member and Cardiologist at Sutter Health, Dr. Reetu Sharma. “When a cardiac emergency strikes, being prepared to act with CPR could save the life of someone you love. We can protect our families, students, and athletes when it matters most.”
Joining the Nation of Lifesavers, an American Heart Association initiative focused on doubling the survival rate of cardiac arrest by 2030, is easier than ever with many CPR learning options available.
In Sacramento, Stockton and Modesto, families can take an online CPR course, learn and practice Hands-Only CPR with a CPR Anytime® Training Kit, watch a 60-second video to learn Hands-Only CPR, find a Heartsaver™ certification course near them, or check out this CPR demonstration by a health expert. For adults and teens, Hands-Only CPR can double or even triple a person’s chances of survival. Infant and Child CPR is different and requires rescue breaths.
Cardiovascular disease remains the No. 1 killer of women, causing 1 in 3 deaths each year. Women are also less likely to receive bystander CPR because rescuers often fear accusations of inappropriate touching, sexual assault or injuring the victim. Additionally, minority and lower-income patients are more likely to suffer from poor cardiac arrest outcomes compared to White or higher-income patients. It is crucial to overcome these hesitations to ensure that women receive the same lifesaving care as men.
To combat heart disease in women and raise awareness, the Association invites Sacramento and Greater Valley residents to participate in National Wear Red Day, Friday, Feb. 7. This annual event unites millions in a shared mission: to end heart disease and stroke.
In Sacramento and the Greater Valley, landmarks such as Sutter Health Medical Center, Sutter Health Memorial Medical Center and Sutter Health Medical Foundation as well as Collins Electrical Company, Inc. in Stockton, and Encompass Health will light up red in support. The California State Legislature will hold its annual “Capitol Goes Red” event, all aiming to shine a spotlight on women’s heart health.
For more information on how to join the Nation of Lifesavers this February or for heart and brain health resources, visit heart.org/nation.
Additional Resources:
- Bystander CPR | Bystander CPR Infographic (PDF)
- Hands-Only CPR Resources
- Hands-Only CPR vs CPR with Breaths
- Women and CPR
- Cardiac Arrest vs. Heart Attack
- Take 90 seconds to learn how to save a life at 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. 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, Facebook, Instagram, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Vibhuti Gupta 916-892-6442 or Vibhuti.Gupta@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and strokeassociation.org
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1 https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001123 (2023 American Heart Association Stats Update)
2 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics—2022 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association