Building a Nation of Livesavers in Massachusetts

June 3, 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 Massachusetts

Heart at the Capitol Lobby Day on July 8th will bring together advocates from across the Commonwealth to support legislation aimed at improving survival from sudden cardiac arrest, where every minute truly counts. Our efforts will focus on expanding CPR education in schools so more people are prepared to act, strengthening emergency response systems through measures like 911-guided CPR and better coordination, and increasing access to AEDs in public spaces such as athletic venues. Together, these initiatives will build a stronger culture of preparedness and help save lives across our communities. We invite you to join us for this critical day of advocacy and be part of the movement to make Massachusetts safer for everyone.

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.