Buffalo Bills and American Heart Association Expand CPR Education in Western New York

The Buffalo Bills are furthering their commitment to cardiac awareness by continuing the HeartBEAT initiative, a comprehensive CPR education program targeting Western New York communities. Through a five-year, $1 million partnership with the American Heart Association, the program seeks to train thousands of residents in Hands-Only CPR and automated external defibrillator (AED) use.

Free CPR education will be offered at multiple community events throughout 2025, including the Buffalo Public Schools Summit, Buffalo Bills Training Camp, CycleNation, and game day events at Highmark Stadium. These initiatives are part of the American Heart Association's broader Nation of Lifesavers movement, which aims to double sudden cardiac arrest survival rates by 2030.

The program has already made significant strides, with 62 CPR training kits distributed in the first two years, each capable of training approximately 300 people annually. A key focus remains youth sports coaches, who will receive specialized training kits to ensure they can respond effectively to sports-related emergencies.

Recent survey data indicates the program's potential impact, showing an increase in CPR readiness among Americans from 30% to 35% between 2021 and 2023. With more than 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occurring annually in the United States, and nearly 75% happening in homes, these educational efforts could prove critical in saving lives.

The HeartBEAT initiative demonstrates a proactive approach to community health, emphasizing the importance of rapid, effective response during cardiac emergencies. By making CPR training accessible and engaging, the Buffalo Bills and American Heart Association are empowering residents with potentially lifesaving skills.