Walgreens and the American Heart Association have launched a collaborative effort to transform how Americans respond to cardiac emergencies. The partnership seeks to increase public awareness and training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), targeting the critical issue of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests.
More than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside hospitals annually in the United States, with 90% proving fatal. Current data reveals that less than half of sudden cardiac arrest victims receive immediate assistance from bystanders. The Nation of Lifesavers initiative aims to change these statistics by empowering communities with life-saving skills.
Through a multi-year, $15 million commitment, Walgreens will support comprehensive CPR education and awareness programs. The initiative includes point-of-sale donation campaigns, in-store and community activations, and grassroots educational efforts designed to increase public preparedness.
Recent survey data indicates progress in public willingness to perform CPR. Since the launch of the Nation of Lifesavers in 2023, bystander confidence has increased from 33% to 39%, representing approximately 17.7 million more Americans feeling capable of responding during a cardiac emergency.
Tim Wentworth, Walgreens Boots Alliance CEO, emphasized the company's commitment, noting that they serve approximately nine million people daily and recognize the critical importance of immediate cardiac emergency response. The partnership aims to provide access, knowledge, and resources that can potentially save lives.
The American Heart Association's goal is ambitious: double the survival rate for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests by 2030. By leveraging Walgreens' extensive community reach, the organization hopes to transform more bystanders into potential lifesavers through targeted education and training programs.
