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Heart Attack and Stroke Symptoms
Students practicing CPR

Building a Nation of Lifesavers in Arkansas

June 1, 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 make CPR and AED awareness and education a permanent fixture in all communities across the country.

What is Happening in Arkansas

We also are working to be sure policies are in place to save lives from cardiac arrest. In Arkansas with the help of advocates, we have successfully passed:

  • Telecommunicator CPR – ensuring all 9-1-1 operators are trained to coach CPR
  • Cardiac Emergency Response Plans (CERPs) in Schools and CERPs for Athletic Events and Facilities – ensuring schools are prepared in the event of a cardiac emergency
  • CPR in Schools – ensuring Arkansas students are trained in CPR before their high school graduation.

Now we are advocating for funding to support these important policies so they are successfully implemented across the state.

Thanks to efforts of advocates and elected leaders, Arkansas 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.