American Heart Association Urges LGBTQ+ Communities to Learn Hands-Only CPR During Pride Month

DALLAS - June 1, 2026 - The American Heart Association, through its Pride With Heart initiative, is urging LGBTQ+ communities and allies to learn Hands-Only CPR during Pride Month, emphasizing that immediate action can double or triple survival chances from cardiac arrest. According to the Association's research, stigma, discrimination and chronic stress can influence long-term cardiovascular health, and a scientific statement on cardiovascular health for transgender and gender diverse people calls for improved training and culturally responsive care.

Each year, more than 350,000 people in the U.S. experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, and 9 out of 10 people don't survive, often because help doesn't arrive fast enough. Immediate CPR can significantly improve outcomes, yet many bystanders hesitate or lack knowledge. “More than 20 million LGBTQ+ adults in the U.S. face higher risks to their heart health, influenced by both clinical and social drivers of health,” said Stacey E. Rosen, M.D., FAHA, volunteer president of the American Heart Association. “By learning Hands-Only CPR and encouraging others to do the same, communities can help close gaps in emergency response and ensure more people are prepared to act when it matters most.”

Hands-Only CPR involves two simple steps: call 911 and push hard and fast in the center of the chest at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute until help arrives. The Association provides resources to learn CPR at heart.org/cpr and find courses at cpr.heart.org. More information about the Pride With Heart initiative is available at heart.org.

The American Heart Association funds innovative research, advocates for public health and shares lifesaving resources like CPR education year-round. Additional resources include the scientific statement on cardiovascular health for LGBTQ adults and CPR facts and stats, available through the Association's newsroom. The organization remains committed to ensuring equitable health in all communities.