The American Heart Association is bringing its Nation of Lifesavers Mobile CPR unit to the Dow Championship LPGA golf event in Midland, Michigan, offering fans walk-up, Hands-Only CPR instruction throughout tournament days. The initiative addresses a critical public health challenge: most people who suffer cardiac arrest outside a hospital do not survive, largely because they do not receive immediate CPR, according to the American Heart Association.
Qualified CPR trainers will teach participants the correct rate and depth of chest compressions, emphasizing that Hands-Only CPR can be just as effective as traditional CPR during the first few minutes of an emergency. The technique is simple: call 911 if you see a teen or adult collapse, then push hard and fast in the center of the chest. Increasing the number of people ready to act improves survival outcomes.
The American Heart Association, together with Dow and the LPGA, aims to empower more individuals to be confident and capable in a cardiac emergency, adding trained individuals to the Nation of Lifesavers movement, which seeks to double survival rates by 2030. According to Association data, 9 out of every 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside of a hospital die, but immediate CPR can double or even triple a person's chance of survival.
As part of Dow's SOAR Summit during tournament week, featured guests will participate in a fireside chat highlighting resilience and recovery following cardiac events. NFL Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders and National Women's Soccer League player Savy King will join American Heart Association Chief Executive Officer Nancy Brown to share personal stories of hope and encourage golf fans to join the Nation of Lifesavers. Their message underscores the importance of learning CPR and being prepared to respond in an emergency.
"Every second counts when a cardiac arrest occurs, and far too often help doesn't arrive in time because bystanders don't feel prepared to act. Through the Nation of Lifesavers, we're equipping people with the confidence and skills to step in during those critical moments," said Nancy Brown. "We're grateful to work with Dow and the LPGA at the Dow Championship to bring this lifesaving education directly to the community and to amplify the powerful voices of survivors and advocates who remind us that learning CPR truly can mean the difference between life and death."
Jim Fitterling, chair and CEO of Dow and co-chairperson of the American Heart Association CEO Roundtable, emphasized the broader impact: "At Dow, we are committed to advancing healthier, stronger communities, and that includes empowering individuals with the knowledge to save lives. Hosting the Nation of Lifesavers CPR activation at the Dow Championship and convening leaders and athletes at our SOAR Summit reflects our belief in the power of connection, education and action. By bringing people together around these important conversations and skills, we can help ensure more individuals are prepared to respond in an emergency and create lasting impact far beyond tournament week."
This activation marks another major sporting moment for the Nation of Lifesavers initiative, which has previously engaged fans at Super Bowl LX, LIX, LVIII, and LVII, multiple NFL Drafts, the 2024 NBA All-Star Game, and will appear at several FIFA Fan Festival sites this summer, including New York City, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Dallas. The American Heart Association, Dow, and the LPGA are committed to ensuring communities are better prepared to respond to cardiac emergencies. Fans can learn how to save a life in just 90 seconds by visiting heart.org/nation to join the Nation of Lifesavers.
