Diocese of Austin and Austin Public Health enhance community safety through Cardiac Emergency Response Plan initiative
AUSTIN, June 4, 2026 — The Diocese of Austin and Austin Public Health are strengthening emergency preparedness through a collaborative initiative with the American Heart Association aimed at improving response to cardiac emergencies.
As part of the Association’s Nation of Lifesavers program, 6 Catholic parishes in the Diocese of Austin and a Missionary Baptist church partner of Austin Public Health committed to implanting formal Cardiac Emergency Response Plans (CERPs). These plans equip churches with the tools, training and protocols needed to act quickly during cardiac emergencies, when every minute can mean the difference between life and death. More than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of hospitals annually in the United States, with survival rates only around 10%. Many bystanders hesitate to act, often waiting for EMS to arrive. However, Hands-Only CPR administered by a bystander can double or even triple the victim’s chances of survival. The Diocese’s collaboration with the Association addresses this gap by empowering parish staff and volunteers with CPR guidelines, access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and clear response procedures.
“Our first joint initiative with the American Heart Association has been a great blessing for the Diocese of Austin,” said Michael Scarpato, director of risk management and diocesan facilities with the Diocese of Austin. “The team supported our first push for Cardiac Emergency Response Plans at our churches and Catholic schools, which fills a critical knowledge gap. Through this collaboration, we are caring for both the heart and soul of the community.”
Participating parishes developed customized CERPs that include designated response teams, EMS coordination, AED placement and maintenance, communication protocols and regular training. Each parish also received a grant from the Association to purchase an AED and related resources.
CERPs impact everyone who comes through a particular site, whether staff, visitors, or parishioners. For example, San Jose Catholic Church serves approximately 10,000 community members every month – so there was a critical need for improved emergency preparedness. Through the program, San Jose installed an AED and formally adopted a comprehensive plan, dramatically increasing confidence among staff and leadership.
Similarly, at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, a significant percentage of their congregation are Black families or seniors, two groups with low average cardiac arrest survival rates.
“This pilot program bridges the gap between awareness and action,” said Shawn, the New Hope pilot lead. “New Hope is more prepared to respond to a cardiac arrest, and is grateful for the blessing to this group and community.”
CERPs are critical for organizations to implement for public health, but anyone can save a life with CPR. Saving a life takes just two simple steps. First, call 9-1-1 if you see a person collapse, then push hard and fast in the center of the chest to the beat of a song that has 100-120 beats per minute, such as the Bee Gees’ “Stayin’ Alive”. Learn more about Hands-Only CPR at heart.org/en/nationoflifesavers. To learn more about response plans and community impact, contact Kelsey.Williams@heart.org.
###
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.
About the Diocese of Austin
Bishop Daniel E. Garcia leads the Roman Catholic Diocese of Austin which includes 127 parishes, missions and University Catholic Centers, in 25 counties, stretching over 21,000 square miles in Central Texas. The Catholic faithful of the Diocese of Austin numbers over 700,000 people from as far south as San Marcos, up to the city of West, out west to Mason, and just beyond College Station in the east. For more information on the Diocese of Austin click here.
For Media Inquiries:
Michael Vybiral: michael.vybiral@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
