SUMTER, S.C., October 1, 2026 — More than 350,000 people experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest each year in the United States. Immediate CPR and access to an AED can significantly increase a person's chance of survival. The American Heart Association is donating a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP) to Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church in Sumter, providing the congregation and surrounding community with resources to help prevent and respond to cardiovascular emergencies.

The initiative is part of the American Heart Association's Nation of Lifesavers™ movement, which aims to double survival rates from cardiac arrest by empowering more people to learn CPR and respond confidently in emergencies.

The donation includes Hands-Only CPR training kits, a self-monitoring blood pressure station and an automated external defibrillator (AED). Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church is the first church in Sumter County to receive these resources as part of the American Heart Association's effort to strengthen heart health and emergency preparedness in faith-based communities.

The donation reflects the Association's commitment to meeting people where they are, expanding access to health education, prevention tools and emergency response resources where people live, work and worship.

"We are excited to launch this campaign within our faith-based community and provide spaces like Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church with tools that can truly save lives," said Lizzie Tankersley, executive director of the American Heart Association - Midlands. "

Churches play an important role in the lives of many families, and by bringing these resources directly into the community, we're helping create a culture of health and preparedness."

The Hands-Only CPR kits will enable church members and community residents to learn the skills needed to respond during a cardiac emergency. The blood pressure station will provide convenient access to regular monitoring, helping people identify and manage a leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke. The AED will be available onsite for use during sudden cardiac arrest emergencies.

"This investment goes beyond equipment," said Delois Woodard, director of the wellness ministry at Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church. "It empowers our congregation and our community with knowledge, confidence and resources that can make a difference when every second counts. We are honored to be the first church in Sumter County to receive this support."

The American Heart Association encourages everyone to learn Hands-Only CPR and know their blood pressure numbers. To learn more about CPR training, heart health resources and the Nation of Lifesavers movement, visit heart.org.

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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, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.    

 

For Media Inquiries:

Maranda Williams, maranda.williams@heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org