The American Heart Association is using Pride Month in June to call on LGBTQ+ communities and allies to learn Hands-Only CPR, emphasizing that immediate action can significantly improve survival rates for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. According to the Association, experiences related to stigma, discrimination and chronic stress can influence long-term cardiovascular health, as noted in their research on discrimination contributing to poorer heart health for LGBTQ adults (American Heart Association Newsroom, October 8, 2020). The Association’s scientific statement on cardiovascular health for transgender and gender diverse people also calls for improved training, systems and culturally responsive care to better support the LGBTQ+ community across their lifespan (Circulation, August 10, 2021).
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 (American Heart Association Fact Sheet, 2025). Immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival (CPR & First Aid Emergency Cardiovascular Care), yet many bystanders hesitate to act or don’t know what to do.
“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 and executive director of the Katz Institute for Women’s Health and senior vice president of women’s health at Northwell Health in New York City. “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 is easy to learn and remember. It 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’s Pride With Heart initiative and resources highlight the importance of both community empowerment and access to care. Year-round, the Association stands with the LGBTQ+ community by funding innovative research, advocating for public health and sharing lifesaving resources like CPR education and training. For more information, visit the Pride With Heart website (heart.org) for LGBTQ+ health news and resources.
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke.
