Hobe Sound, Fla., Oct. 5, 2026 — The American Heart Association, a global force for longer, healthier lives, is empowering local vocational instructors and mental health counselors to save lives by implementing cardiac emergency response plans (CERPs) and providing automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) and CPR training equipment to all three Project Lift locations.
Each year, more than 350,000 people in the U.S. experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital. When cardiac arrest occurs outside of a hospital, survival more than doubles when people nearby take action by dialing 911, starting CPR and using a publicly available AED while waiting for emergency responders to arrive.
Project Lift provides free vocational training for at-risk teens and young adults, in addition to mental health services, counseling, and mentoring. With financial support from TBC Corporation, the local sponsor of the American Heart Association’s Nation of Lifesavers initiative, locations in Belle Glade, Hobe Sound and Fort Pierce implemented Cardiac Emergency Response Plans (CERPs).
The American Heart Association will work with the schools to implement the CERPs to enhance the safety of the students, staff and visitors. The plans include a coordinated, practiced emergency response strategy where teams are trained and empowered to administer lifesaving care until Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrive.
"We are always honored to support the health of our community anyway we can,” says Kami Batchelder, the community relations senior manager for TBC Corporation. “And because we know cardiac arrest can happen at any time, we are pleased to support the American Heart Association in its mission to empower people to respond when it matters most."
“Survival depends on regular people stepping up and not just being willing to do CPR — knowing how to do it,” says Stacey Comerford, executive director, American Heart Association - Palm Beach County. “We are so pleased to equip the Project Lift staff to be part of the Nation of Lifesavers.”
To learn more about CPR, visit cpr.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.
For Media Inquiries: Gina Sbrilli | gina.sbrilli@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
