Walgreens Partners with American Heart Association to Increase CPR Awareness and Training Nationwide

Walgreens has committed to a nationwide campaign with the American Heart Association to address the critical issue of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests, which claim approximately 350,000 lives annually in the United States. The initiative, part of the Nation of Lifesavers movement, seeks to double cardiac arrest survival rates by 2030 through extensive public education and training efforts.

Currently, 90% of cardiac arrests occurring outside hospitals result in fatality, with less than half of victims receiving immediate bystander assistance. Recognizing this urgent public health challenge, Walgreens will invest $15 million to support comprehensive CPR awareness and training programs across communities.

The partnership will leverage Walgreens' extensive reach, serving approximately nine million customers daily, to dramatically increase CPR readiness. By mobilizing team members, pharmacists, and customers, the initiative aims to provide critical access, education, and resources for potential lifesaving interventions.

Recent survey data indicates a promising trend in public willingness to learn CPR. Following high-profile incidents like Damar Hamlin's cardiac emergency during a football game, bystander confidence in performing CPR has increased from 33% to 39%, representing approximately 17.7 million more Americans feeling prepared to act during a medical crisis.

Tim Wentworth, Walgreens Boots Alliance CEO, emphasized the importance of equipping communities with the knowledge and tools necessary to respond effectively to cardiac emergencies. The collaboration will include in-store and community-based activations, grassroots educational efforts, and point-of-sale donation campaigns.

Nancy Brown, American Heart Association CEO, underscored the critical nature of bystander intervention, noting that immediate CPR and automated external defibrillator (AED) use can double or triple survival chances. The ultimate goal is to transform passive bystanders into active lifesavers capable of providing crucial emergency medical assistance.

This strategic partnership represents a significant step toward improving cardiac emergency response and potentially saving thousands of lives through enhanced public awareness, training, and community empowerment.