Special Olympics New York Joins the Nation of Lifesavers

American Heart Association Trained Statewide Staff in CPR & AED Use

Albany, NY – Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), especially if performed immediately, can double or triple a person’s chance of survival. That’s why Special Olympics New York prioritized staff certification at the organization’s 2024 annual summit in Albany. Nearly 40 employees completed the American Heart Association’s Heartsaver® CPR AED (automated external defibrillator) course, which provides the highest quality evidence-based training in the lifesaving skills of CPR, as well as the appropriate use of an AED.

“Early recognition and action in a cardiac emergency can be the difference between life and death. When seconds matter it is important to have people nearby who can confidently and competently perform CPR. This event with Special Olympics is helping to support that critical link in the community,” said Nancy Brown, Chief Executive Officer of the American Heart Association. “As we celebrate 100 years of lifesaving work, we know that with every CPR training we perform we are one step closer to ensuring that everyone, everywhere is prepared and empowered to perform CPR and become a vital link in the chain of survival.”

“Special Olympics New York is proud to have worked with the American Heart Association to offer training in CPR and AED use for staff from all across the state,” said Special Olympics New York President & CEO Stacey Hengsterman. “While we hope these skills are never needed at an event involving our community, our athletes and families can continue to feel safe knowing that staff have been trained to act in an emergency.”

For more than 6 decades, the American Heart Association has led the way as the global leader in resuscitation science, education and training, and as the official publisher of the guidelines for CPR. The Nation of Lifesavers™ movement is the Association’s most recent commitment to CPR with the declaration to double survival rates of cardiac arrest by 2030. Through the Nation of Lifesavers initiative, the Association is committed to turning a nation of bystanders into lifesavers. The multi-year initiative supports CPR education, extends automated external defibrillator (AED) use and engages employers, policymakers, philanthropists and others to increase the chain of survival. The long-term goal is to ensure that in the face of a cardiac emergency, everyone, everywhere is prepared and empowered to perform 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. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 – our Centennial year – we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. 

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