PHILADELPHIA, June 3, 2024 — It’s CPR & AED Awareness Week, a significant initiative aimed at equipping communities with life-saving skills. As the American Heart Association celebrates its centennial year, this annual event takes on added importance, emphasizing the organization's century-long commitment to cardiovascular health and emergency preparedness.

Every year, over 350,000 individuals experience out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in the United States. Tragically, the majority of these cases result in fatalities due to the lack of immediate intervention. However, CPR, especially when administered promptly, can double, or even triple the chances of survival for a cardiac arrest victim.

Considering these statistics, the American Heart Association reminds our community of the availability of Mobile Hands-Only CPR Kiosks in the Philadelphia area. These innovative kiosks, made possible by the generous support of Independence Blue Cross (IBX) and Jefferson Health, serve as interactive, self-training stations designed to teach and reinforce Hands-Only CPR skills to individuals of all ages and backgrounds.

The North10 Lenfest Center in the Hunting Park section of Philadelphia launched a Hands-Only CPR kiosk, supported by Jefferson Health. Dr. Joseph Cacchione, CEO of Jefferson Health and 2024 Heart Ball Chair, had the honors of cutting the ribbon to launch this significant installation which provides accessible CPR education to the surrounding community.

The latest Hands-Only CPR kiosk, sponsored by IBX, was installed at Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church in Germantown this spring. IBX, a longtime supporter of the American Heart Association, is deeply committed to improving the health and well-being of Greater Philadelphia and removing barriers to high quality, accessible and equitable healthcare. Continuing that support, Greg Deavens, CEO of IBX, is currently serving as the Chair of the 2024 Philadelphia Heart Walk.

Each kiosk features a touchscreen with a video program that guides users through the critical steps of Hands-Only CPR, including the crucial initial step of calling 911. To the rhythm of the Bee Gees' iconic song "Staying Alive," users are instructed to perform chest compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 beats per minute. The kiosks also provide real-time feedback on hand placement, depth, rate, and recoil of compressions, ensuring that users receive accurate guidance on CPR technique.

"With 90% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests resulting in fatalities, it's imperative that communities are equipped with the knowledge and skills to respond effectively in an emergency," said Jennifer Litchman-Green, Sr. Executive Director/Sr. Vice President, Development and Community Health, at the American Heart Association Philadelphia. "These CPR kiosks represent a significant step towards empowering individuals to take action and potentially save lives."

Independence Blue Cross and Jefferson Health are committed partners in this initiative, recognizing the importance of removing barriers to CPR and AED education within communities. Over the next three years, the kiosks will rotate to three different community-based organizations annually, further extending their reach and impact.

As CPR & AED Awareness Week unfolds, the American Heart Association urges individuals across the nation to take advantage of educational resources and training opportunities available in their communities. By working as a team, we can ensure that more people have the skills and confidence to respond effectively in cardiac emergencies, ultimately saving lives and building healthier communities.

Together, by addressing the lack of CPR training and resources in our communities, we can turn a nation of bystanders into a nation of lifesavers.

For more information about Hands-Only CPR and the Mobile Hands-Only CPR Kiosks, please visit Heart.org.

For more information about CPR training, visit cpr.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. 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.   

About Independence Blue Cross

Independence Blue Cross is the leading health insurance organization in southeastern Pennsylvania, serving more than two million people in the region and seven million nationwide. For more information, visit ibx.com.

About Jefferson Health

Jefferson Health is a leading academic health system, providing innovative treatments, advanced medical technology, and world-class care to patients across the Greater Philadelphia region and beyond. For more information, visit jeffersonhealth.org.

For Media Inquiries: Jake.Martin@Heart.org

Jake Martin: 609-230-3802; Jake.Martin@Heart.org

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