TULSA, Okla., Feb. 22, 2024 — The American Heart Association-Tulsa’s 2024 class of Sweethearts and Mavericks taught hands-only CPR to dozens of fans at the Tulsa Oilers’ hockey game against the Utah Grizzlies on Feb. 2, National Wear Red Day.
Oilers fans and supporters of the Association, the world’s leading voluntary organization focused on heart and brain health for all, showed up at the BOK Center bedecked in red to “Red out the Rink” and to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease. Richard Cox, chairman of the forthcoming Tulsa Heart Walk, was on hand for the puck drop.
Following the game, the Oilers auctioned off the players’ game jerseys emblazoned with the American Heart Association’s logo. The night raised about $7,800 for the Association’s life-saving mission.
"The energy from fans cheering in the stands to players battling on the ice was electric,” said Kennady Johnson, development director over the Tulsa Heart Ball and the Sweetheart and Mavericks program. “It was an honor to see the Tulsa Oilers wear their American Heart Association jerseys in the rink. There was no better way to celebrate National Wear Red Day and kickoff National Heart Month than at the game."
Each year, more than 350,000 people suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in the United States. Only about 10 percent of those people survive. This year the Association is asking the public to join the Nation of Lifesavers by making sure at least one person in every household or family learns hands-only CPR. If called on to do CPR, you will likely be saving the life of someone you love: a spouse, parent, friend or other family member.
There are two simple steps to performing hands-only: First call 9-1-1, then push hard and fast in the center of the person’s chest at a rate of 100 beats per minute (bpm). The Bee Gees song “Stayin’ Alive,” grooves to the minimum rate you should push on the chest during hands-only CPR. (A playlist with other popular songs with the same number of bpm can be found on Spotify under “Don’t Drop the Beat.”)
To learn more about the hands-only CPR campaign and learn how to save a life, visit www.heart.org/handsonlycprFor 100 years, the American Heart Association has saved and improved lives, pioneered scientific discovery and advocated for healthy public policies in communities across the country. These bold moves are fueled by our mission to be a relentless force for longer, healthier lives. They have helped transform our nation’s health and significantly reduce heart disease and stroke death rates. But these gains have not been shared equitably. Black, Hispanic, Native American, Native Hawaiian, Asian American, Pacific Islander and LGBTQ+ people have suffered and died disproportionately. So have people in historically underrepresented communities all over the country. With Bold Hearts™ and powered by science, we pledge to work relentlessly to eliminate heart disease and stroke, optimize brain health and ensure equitable health in every community.
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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.
For Media Inquiries
Cyd King: M 479.263.8473; cyd.king@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org