The American Heart Association (AHA) is bringing its Nation of Lifesavers Mobile CPR unit to the Dow Championship golf tournament in Midland, Michigan, offering fans walk-up training in Hands-Only CPR. The initiative aims to address the stark reality that most people who suffer cardiac arrest outside a hospital do not survive, largely because they do not receive immediate CPR, according to the AHA. By teaching the simple technique of calling 911 and pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest, organizers hope to empower more bystanders to act in emergencies.
Qualified CPR trainers will be on-site throughout tournament days to instruct participants on the correct rate and depth of compressions. The training emphasizes that Hands-Only CPR can be just as effective as traditional CPR in the first few minutes of a cardiac emergency. The AHA reports that immediate CPR can double or even triple a person's chance of survival. This effort is part of the AHA's Nation of Lifesavers movement, which aims to double cardiac arrest survival rates by 2030.
The Dow Championship partnership includes Dow, a global materials science leader, and the LPGA. As part of Dow's SOAR Summit during tournament week, a fireside chat will feature NFL Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders and National Women's Soccer League player Savy King, joining AHA CEO Nancy Brown to share personal stories of resilience and recovery following cardiac events. Their message underscores the importance of learning CPR and being prepared to respond in an emergency.
“Every second counts when a cardiac arrest occurs, and far too often help doesn’t arrive in time because bystanders don’t feel prepared to act. Through the Nation of Lifesavers, we’re equipping people with the confidence and skills to step in during those critical moments,” said Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association. “We’re grateful to work with Dow and the LPGA at the Dow Championship to bring this lifesaving education directly to the community and to amplify the powerful voices of survivors and advocates who remind us that learning CPR truly can mean the difference between life and death.”
Jim Fitterling, chair and CEO of Dow and co-chairperson of the AHA CEO Roundtable, emphasized the company's commitment to healthier communities. “Hosting the Nation of Lifesavers CPR activation at the Dow Championship and convening leaders and athletes at our SOAR Summit reflects our belief in the power of connection, education and action,” he said. “By bringing people together around these important conversations and skills, we can help ensure more individuals are prepared to respond in an emergency and create lasting impact far beyond tournament week.”
The Nation of Lifesavers initiative has previously activated at major sporting events including Super Bowl LX in San Francisco, the 2024 NBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis, and several NFL Drafts. The Mobile CPR Unit will also appear at FIFA Fan Festival sites this summer in cities such as New York City, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Dallas. According to AHA data, 9 out of 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside a hospital die, often because they do not receive immediate CPR. The AHA publishes the official scientific guidelines for CPR and is a worldwide leader in resuscitation science.
Participants at the Dow Championship can learn how to save a life in just 90 seconds. More information is available at heart.org/nation to join the Nation of Lifesavers.
