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Building a Nation of Lifesavers in Alabama

May 28, 2026

June 1-7 is National CPR and Awareness Week. It offers the perfect opportunity to remind everyone how to save a life during a cardiac emergency. That’s why we urge everyone to learn Hands-Only CPR.

Why it Matters

Every year, more than 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the United States. Tragically, 90% will be fatal. However, immediate action can save lives. When someone starts CPR right away and uses an AED (automated external defibrillator), they can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival.

However, less than half of all people who need this lifesaving intervention receive CPR from bystanders before professional help arrives. In part, this gap exists because more than two in three people in the U.S. still think only people with medical training should step in. That hesitation can cost precious time — and lives.

That’s why, during CPR and AED Awareness Week, the American Heart Association challenges everyone to join the Nation of Lifesavers and commit to making CPR and AED awareness and education a permanent fixture in every community across the country.

What is Happening in Alabama

Through our advocacy efforts, we have made meaningful progress in Alabama. Since 2024, we’ve successfully advocated for:

  • Cardiac emergency response plans (CERPs) in schools and school athletics to ensure a plan is in place to response to cardiac emergencies in these settings.
  • $250k in public funding for schools to train students in hands-on CPR and AED use
  • $7.5 million in public funding to place AEDs in schools statewide

Because of the strong efforts of advocates and elected leaders, Alabama now stands better prepared to respond to cardiac emergencies. The state continues to grow as part of the Nation of Lifesavers.

Getting Involved

In a cardiac emergency, anyone can be the difference before professional help arrives. The power to save a life is in your hands. Start by learning CPR at heart.org/nation.

Then, take the next step by learning more about our policy work and ongoing efforts to build a Nation of Lifesavers here.

Finally, use your superpower – your story. Personal experiences bring issues to life for decision makers and inspire change. When you share your story, you help drive real impact. Simply click here to get started.

Don’t wait. Help us build a Nation of Lifesavers today!