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Students practicing CPR

Building a Nation of Lifesavers in Illinois

May 29, 2026

June 1-7 is National CPR and Awareness Week. It is the perfect time to remind everyone about the importance of knowing how to save a life in a cardiac emergency.  We are urging everyone to learn Hands Only CPR.

Why it Matters

More than 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur every year in the United States, and 90% will be fatal. Immediate CPR and AED (automated external defibrillator) use can double or even triple someone’s chance of surviving cardiac arrest. But sadly, less than half of all people who need this lifesaving intervention receive CPR from bystanders before professional help arrives.

This CPR and AED Awareness Week, the American Heart Association is challenging everyone to join the Nation of Lifesavers and commit to making CPR and AED awareness and education a permanent fixture in all communities across the country.

What is Happening in Illinois

In Illinois, we are currently advocating for a cardiac emergency response plan (CERP) trailer bill, which would make school campuses safer by doing three things:

  1. Requiring paid head coaches to obtain and maintain certification in CPR, first aid, and AED use.
  2. Strengthening CERPs by establishing certified cardiac emergency response teams.
  3. Requiring annual cardiac response drills.

Recent successes include mandating Telecommunicator CPR across the state and passing CERPs.

Thanks to the efforts of advocates and elected leaders, Illinois is better prepared to save a life in a cardiac emergency and has become a part of the Nation of Lifesavers.

Getting Involved

You can help! Learn more about our policy work and efforts to build a Nation of Lifesavers here.

Use your superpower.  Your personal experience brings issues to life for decision makers.  And that is powerful!  Help us build a Nation of Lifesavers by sharing your story.  Simply click here to tell us all about it.