American Heart Association enhances lifesaving skills and preparedness in recognition of American Heart Month
HOLLYWOOD, Fla., Feb. 24, 2025 — The American Heart Association, devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, is proud to announce a donation of 250 CPR Anytime Training Kits to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, part of Memorial Healthcare System and Broward Health.
The CPR Kit donation took place on February 18 at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, with the support of Rita Case, president and CEO of Rick Case Automotive Group. Hospital staff, local families, and community members gathered to witness the donation, underscoring the importance of being prepared for cardiac arrest emergencies.
“Our goal is to make sure that every family can go home with one of these CPR kits so they may save their child’s life if needed because they’ll have the equipment, tools and training right at home to do that,” said Case.
Through the American Heart Associations’ Nation of Lifesavers initiative, the Association furthers its campaign to turn bystanders into lifesavers by encouraging people to learn Hands-Only CPR and act in emergencies. Each year in the US, more than 23,000 children experience cardiac arrest outside of the hospital and 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of the hospital.
“Thanks to the generosity of supporters like Rita Case and Rick Case Automotive Group, we are one step closer to achieving our goal of at least one person per household knowing how to perform CPR,” shared Marisol Vera, executive director American Heart Association, Greater Miami/Fort Lauderdale.
Prior to receiving the kit donations, families had the opportunity to participate in Hands-Only CPR demonstrations led by CPR educators from Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. Parents learned how to use the kits to effectively practice.
“Learning CPR can be very intimidating, but there’s not one of us who doesn’t have someone in our families or in our lives who’s impacted by heart disease. So, learning these lifesaving skills and being confident in knowing what to do in a cardiac emergency is the reason for having a kit at home where you can practice and learn,” said Caitlin Stella, CEO of Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital and Pediatric Services, and American Heart Association board member.
A total of 750 kits will be distributed throughout Broward County Hospitals and NICUs, over the next three years.
To learn more about CPR and training, visit www.heart.org/cpr.
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About the American Heart Association
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. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173
Melissa Solis, [email protected]
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
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