SYRACUSE, N.Y., April 2, 2026 — According to American Heart Association data, 9 out of every 10 people who experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital die, in part because they do not receive immediate CPR more than half of the time[1]. CPR, especially if performed immediately, can double or triple a person’s chance of survival. [2]. Student-led initiatives like the Heart Club at Cornell University are stepping up to make their campuses and communities safer.
To support these lifesaving efforts, the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, recently awarded two CPR in Schools Kits, including manikins and training materials, and a $500 grant to Cornell University Heart Club in Ithaca as part of its Nation of Lifesavers™ initiative. These grants will make it easier for students and educators to learn lifesaving skills and strengthen the Association’s nationwide movement to double survival rates from cardiac arrest by 2030.
“Every student deserves the opportunity to learn how to save a life,” said Diane Benedetto, volunteer board chair of American Heart Association - Syracuse and account manager, National Grid. “This grant helps students become changemakers on their campuses and in their communities by equipping them with lifesaving CPR skills, emergency response planning tools and a voice in public health advocacy. We want to train as many students and teachers as we can, so we can strengthen the entire chain of survival across our community.”
American Heart Association Heart Clubs are student-led organizations on high school and college campuses, empowering members to lead activities that support physical and mental well-being while making a meaningful impact in their communities.
Cornell University received the award as one of 32 high school and college campuses nationwide selected for the Association’s new Heart Club grant program. These grants support student-organized projects that promote CPR education, develop cardiac emergency response plans and raise awareness about sudden cardiac arrest.The Cornell Heart Club has already been conducting first aid and CPR classes in the community. This grant will allow the club to continue those classes and expand Hands-Only CPR training both on and off the Cornell campus.
“We are honored to receive this support from the American Heart Association,” said Michael Garenani, leader of the Heart Club at Cornell University. “This funding allows us to lead the charge in creating a safer and more prepared school environment, while building confidence and leadership skills that will benefit us for life.”
Garenani’s brother, Anthony Garenani, leads the Heart Club at Villanova University. The two have been working together on their “Beat for Good” movement. Villanova University also received a grant from the American Heart Association.
Started in the 2024-2025 school year, there are now more than 250 of these student-driven groups across the U.S. Schools selected for the Heart Club grant are registered as an active Heart Club and guided by a faculty advisor. Each participating campus receives full training and guidance from the American Heart Association.
Walgreens is a national sponsor of the Association’s Nation of Lifesavers initiative, committed to turning a nation of bystanders into lifesavers. The long-term goal: to ensure that in the face of a cardiac emergency, anyone, anywhere, is prepared and empowered to perform CPR and become a vital link in the chain of survival. Join the Nation of Lifesavers by learning CPR and learn more about the Heart Club grant program here.
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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.
Kristy Smorol:
Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
