ERIE, PA, Nov. 6, 2024 The American Heart Association and Wegmans are teaming up once again to boost the number of people who respond to cardiac arrests, aiming to save more lives from the thousands of out-of-hospital cases that occur each year. Despite the urgency, seven in ten Americans feel powerless during a cardiac emergency, resulting in fewer than half of those in need receiving CPR before professional help arrives. Immediate Hands-Only CPR can double or even triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival.

This collaboration promotes CPR and AED education and awareness. Its goal is to ensure that, in the face of a cardiac emergency, everyone is prepared and empowered to perform CPR, turning bystanders into lifesavers. Each CPR kit can train groups of 10 to 20 people at a time and can be safely reused, allowing potentially hundreds of residents to learn Hands-Only CPR.

“Wegmans is committed to making a difference in every community we serve,” said Jana Ranus, director of community giving at Wegmans Food Markets in Erie. “Through this collaboration with the American Heart Association, we are helping to ensure youth organizations in Erie are equipped to respond in case of a cardiac emergency of a childWe are so proud that we can help facilitate this lifesaving training right here in ErieThis will be the fourth kit donated to an organization in Erie by WegmansKits have already been presented to Millcreek Youth Athletic Association, the Booker T Washington Center and the YMCA of Greater Erie. We are proud to present this fourth kit to The John F Kennedy Center in Erie.”

“The America Heart Association’s Nation of Lifesavers initiative aims to ensure that in the event of a cardiac emergency, anyone, anywhere is ready and empowered to become a crucial link in the Chain of Survival, said Gina Klofft, senior director at the American Heart Association Erie Division. “We are delighted to have the continued support of Wegmans on this mission to build a Nation of Lifesavers. We invite more companies like Wegmans to commit and help make CPR awareness and education a permanent fixture in all communities across our region.” 

Each year in the United States, more than 350,000 people, including 23,000 children, experience cardiac arrests outside of a hospital. Unfortunately, 90% of these individuals do not survive. CPR is a critical skill that even children as young as 9 years old can learn. However, recent studies show that Black adults and other historically underrepresented racial and ethnic groups are less likely to receive bystander CPR. Women also face barriers to receiving bystander CPR, such as fear of legal repercussions, accusations of inappropriate touching, and lack of knowledge. 

Hands-Only CPR is chest compression only CPR.Science has shown that following a witnessed cardiac arrest of a teen or an adult, compression only CPR can be equally effective in the first few minutes of emergency response. If a teen or adult suddenly collapses, bystanders should immediately call emergency services and begin chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 beats per minute and a depth of at least two inches.  

For more information, visit heart.org/WegmansCPR, or visit cpr.heart.org for more on Hands-Only CPR. 

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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 onheart.org,Facebook,Xor by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

For Media Inquiries: 

American Heart Association  

Karen Colbert: karen.colbert@heart.org