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The American Heart Association, a global force for longer, healthier lives for all, is making a local impact through community alliances and a commitment to health. The United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades, and the American Heart Association, with funding from Cypress Cove, has implemented a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan at the United Way Resiliency Hub in Lehigh Acres. This crucial step could mean the difference between life and death for someone experiencing cardiac arrest.

This initiative includes the installation of a state-of-the-art AED (Automated External Defibrillator), customized cardiac response training, and the distribution of lifesaving CPR & First Aid Anywhere Training Kits, part of a broader effort to equip underserved families and individuals across Southwest Florida with the tools and confidence to act in a cardiac emergency.

“Creating a plan before a crisis happens is how lives are saved,” said Jessaca Rodriguez, executive director of the “http://heart.org” rel=”noopener” target=”_blank”>American Heart Association, Southwest Florida. “Thanks to Cypress Cove and United Way, we’re building “http://www.heartpowered.org/nationoflifesavers” rel=”noopener” target=”_blank”>a community of lifesavers. This plan is more than a checklist. It’s a declaration that every heartbeat matters.”

Each year, more than 356,000 people in the U.S. experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital. Without immediate action, 90% of those cases are fatal. But when CPR is administered quickly and an AED is used, survival rates can double or even triple.

With Resiliency Hubs serving as trusted gathering spaces for families facing economic hardship, the Lehigh Acres location was a natural choice for this comprehensive CERP implementation, where more than 50% of the monthly population served are resource-limited seniors at high risk of cardiac arrest. In addition to the AED, the partnership has enabled the distribution of the American Heart Association’s CPR & First Aid Anywhere Training Kits, which can be used to ensure staff and volunteers are provided with ongoing education on how to act during a cardiac emergency.

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“We are proud to support an initiative that delivers such a direct and immediate impact,” said Mike Moss, vice president of Sales and Marketing at Cypress Cove. “Together, we are giving people in our community the power to save a life – and there is no greater gift than that.”

Angela Fischler, Community Impact Assistant Director for United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades, said, “The provided materials are impressive and will ensure we are prepared to act in case of a cardiac emergency. We are grateful for the American Heart Association and Cypress Cove’s commitment to the community.”

As this model takes root in Lehigh Acres, the American Heart Association and the United Way are working together to expand CERPs and AED accessibility across other Resiliency Hub locations. While some sites are still in urgent need of AEDs, creative solutions, such as abbreviated on-site CPR training for staff and alternative funding approaches, are being explored to make lifesaving readiness achievable in every neighborhood.

What’s Next The American Heart Association is calling on individuals, businesses, and civic leaders to join its Nation of Lifesavers movement – a bold initiative to train millions of people in CPR and ensure AEDs are available wherever people live, learn, work, and play.

To get involved, visit heartpowered.org or text LIFESAVERS to 46839.

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, on Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.