DALLAS, May 17, 2024 – Thousands of people in North Texas that pass through the Mexican Consulate each week are safer now because of a comprehensive Cardiac Emergency Response Plan the Dallas location has begun with the American Heart Association. Of the 53 consulate offices the Mexican government has throughout the United States, 11 of them are in Texas, including in Dallas. To bolster CPR efforts within the Hispanic/Latino communities in Dallas the National Center of the American Heart Association recently announced a groundbreaking collaboration with Kemper.

This initiative, generously sponsored by Kemper, marks a significant step towards enhancing cardiac emergency preparedness and saving lives. Putting the initiative into action, the Dallas division of the Association held a dynamic onsite activation at the Consulate of Mexico. CPR kits were distributed, Hands-Only CPR demonstrations were led by onsite Promotoras (community health workers), and discussions to finalize plans for a comprehensive Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP) took place.

“The collaboration of this consulate and its Ventanilla de Salud Program with the American Heart Association is fundamental, as we educate the community and make them aware of the existence of their services and their great mission," said, Consulate General of Mexico in Dallas, Francisco de la Torre Galindo

Hispanic adults who experience cardiac arrest outside a hospital setting are substantially less likely to receive lifesaving care from a bystander, and more than 70% of people say they feel unprepared to help with CPR in the event of a Cardiac Emergency. Across Dallas-Fort Worth the local American Heart Association’s team is working to change this by empowering members of these communities to learn this lifesaving skill. These efforts are changing attitudes about performing CPR, as data shows Hispanics and Latinos are more confident in their ability to perform CPR than they were 2 years ago. This is also possible thanks to many Association initiatives like this one minute YouTube video teaching bystander Hands-Only CPR in Spanish, and playlists in Spanish that have songs which fall within the recommended 100 to 120 beats per minute (BPM) when administering CPR, like Bad Bunny's hit "Titi Me Pregunto" which has 107 BPM.

The Consulate of Mexico with its 100 employees and daily service to 300-500 individuals, serves as a pivotal hub for the local community. Through this collaboration, the American Heart Association and Kemper aim to create a ripple effect of awareness and preparedness, ultimately saving lives and fostering a healthier, safer environment. North Texas is home to one of the largest populations of Mexican and Mexican-owned companies in the state. About 35% of all Mexican investments in the United States are in North Texas, according to Mexico’s Consulate General in Dallas.

“Our goal is for everyone, everywhere to have health and hope. One way we are doing that is by ensuring our Dallas community is prepared in a cardiac emergency. By replicating the implementation of this lifesaving plan at the Mexican Consulate across other Hispanic organizations and places where our Latino families work, live, and play, we are saving lives right now and in making this a safer metroplex to live in in the future,” says Jenny Eyer, Vice President of Health Strategies in North Texas.

Organizations looking to save lives with Cardiac Emergency Response Plans and lifesaving CPR practice in Dallas-Fort Worth and surrounding areas can contact Community Impact teams in Dallas and across North Texas via Hilda Colunga or Bry Mabry via hilda.colunga@heart.org or bry.mabry@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, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.   
 

For Media Inquiries:

Lindsey Lyons: (214) 441-4114; lindsey.lyons@heart.org

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

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