LENOIR, N.C., Oct. 28, 2026 – Students and educators at every Caldwell County school will soon have greater access to lifesaving CPR education, CPR training equipment, and cardiac emergency preparedness plans thanks to the American Heart Association and funding from the Caldwell Memorial Hospital Foundation.

According to the American Heart Association, 13 cardiac arrests occurred on North Carolina public school grounds during the 2023-2024 school year. Tragically, one of those incidents involved a child who did not survive.

The funding supports the American Heart Association in providing CPR training equipment, educational resources, and cardiac emergency preparedness support to every public elementary, middle and high school in Caldwell County. Schools will also receive guidance and resources to help develop and implement Cardiac Emergency Response Plans (CERPs) written coordinated plans that outline the steps to take when someone experiences sudden cardiac arrest, from calling 9-1-1 and starting CPR to retrieving and using an AED.

"Every second matters when someone experiences cardiac arrest," said Kaitlyn Jarman, executive director, American Heart Association Greater Charlotte. "The effort supports the American Heart Association's Nation of Lifesavers™ movement, which aims to strengthen the chain of survival by increasing CPR awareness, education and preparedness in communities nationwide. Together, we're helping build a generation of lifesavers across Caldwell County."

"The Caldwell Memorial Hospital Foundation is proud to support the health and future of Caldwell County," said Virginia N. Hoyle, executive director, Caldwell Memorial Hospital Foundation. "We are especially excited that every elementary, middle and high school in Caldwell County will benefit from CPR training and cardiac emergency preparedness resources through this initiative. By supporting this effort alongside the American Heart Association and Caldwell County Schools, we are helping create safer schools and a healthier community for generations to come."

"We're grateful to Caldwell Memorial Hospital Foundation and the American Heart Association for supporting each of our schools with CPR training kits and cardiac emergency response resources," said Dr. Thomas Howell, superintendent, Caldwell County Schools. "When there's a medical emergency at school, being prepared makes the difference. This support helps ensure our staff are ready to act, and that's a big part of keeping our students and employees safe."

Research shows that immediate CPR can double or even triple a person's chance of survival following cardiac arrest. By expanding access to CPR education and emergency preparedness resources throughout Caldwell County Schools, this initiative will help equip students, educators and staff with lifesaving skills that can make a difference when every second counts.

Equipment distribution is expected to begin in October as part of the 2026–27 school year.

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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: 

Star Connor, star.connor@heart.org