ALBANY, N.Y., April 19, 2026 — 200 people now have a skill that makes our community safer: Hands-Only CPR.
During the second Community CPR Day, the American Heart Association, sponsored by the Innovation Partnership, a collaboration between Albany County and MVP Health Care, provided free Hands-Only CPR training in half-hour time slots.
Athletes from the University at Albany’s women’s rowing and soccer teams interacted with attendees, shooting hoops, playing soccer and rowing. Students from Maria College offered blood pressure screenings; a 360 Photobooth captured fun moments; there were lawn games, and yoga instruction from Lara Bryn of Lighten Up with Lara. Robbie Maccue, deputy chief of EMS for the Town of Colonie, provided a history of AEDs.
“Learning how to save a life is so important – and so simple,” said Michael-Aaron Poindexter, chair of the board of directors of the American Heart Association in the Capital Region, chief program officer of the Regional Food Bank and senior pastor at Macedonia Baptist Church. “We are grateful to the Innovation Partnership for supporting us in our mission to change the future of health for everyone, everywhere. We want to thank everyone who made this event a good one, especially all the people who took the time to learn Hands-Only CPR.”
“We know that 350,000 people suffer out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest each year, and that only one in 10 survive,” said Daniel P. McCoy, Albany County Executive. “We also know that having CPR performed doubles or triples the chances of survival. Today, we have taken real action to move those statistics in the right direction.”
“Improving health outcomes takes more than care alone. It requires access, education, and meaningful connection within the community,” said Dr. Richard Dal Col, president of MVP Health Care. “Through strategic investments in initiatives like today's Community CPR Day, MVP is expanding access to essential, lifesaving skills and empowering people to act when it matters most. We’re proud to work alongside the American Heart Association and Albany County to strengthen community well-being and build a more prepared, healthier Capital Region.”
For information about joining the Nation of Lifesavers, 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. 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:
Katherine McCarthy, 518.366.7920 or Katherine.McCarthy@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
