Call to Expand CPR Training in Black Communities

American Heart Association highlights disparities and urges action to save lives

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The American Heart Association is calling for expanded CPR education and advocacy in Black communities, where cardiovascular disease and cardiac emergencies disproportionately impact residents. Despite progress nationwide, structural barriers have left many Black communities facing higher rates of heart disease, stroke, and lower survival during cardiac events. The organization is working to close these gaps through culturally responsive outreach and training to ensure more people are prepared to act as first responders.

Why it matters

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., and Black communities continue to face a higher burden of cardiac arrest, high blood pressure, heart failure and stroke. These disparities contribute to higher death rates and lower survival during cardiac emergencies. Expanding access to CPR training and awareness of AEDs in Black communities can help save lives when every second counts.

The details

Data shows nearly 6 in 10 Black adults live with some form of cardiovascular disease, stroke prevalence remains highest among Black women and men, and Black adults account for more than half of heart failure hospitalizations among Americans under 50. The American Heart Association is working to develop culturally relevant solutions, including initiatives like the EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator, Heart of Innovation HBCU Challenge, and the Bernard J. Tyson Impact Fund.

  • February is both American Heart Month and Black History Month.

The players

American Heart Association

The world's leading nonprofit organization focused on changing the future of health for all.

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.

Fredrick Robinson

Founder of the , a nonprofit empowering communities to take charge of their health through education and health screenings.

Kwamane Liddell

A nurse and lawyer who founded a health technology platform that makes preventive care resources accessible to everyone.

William "BJ" Hicks

The American Heart Association's 2025 Physician of the Year, a neurologist specializing in stroke treatment, prevention and research bringing mobile stroke care to his hometown in Columbus, Ohio.

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What they’re saying

“The science is clear: Black communities continue to face disproportionate risks of heart disease and stroke. But data alone won't drive change. Progress happens when we work hand in hand with communities to address root causes, expand access to care and ensure more people are prepared to save a life when every second counts.”

— 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 (Mirage News)

“In a cardiac emergency, the first few minutes belong to the people nearby, not the hospital. Black Americans are more likely to have their heart suddenly stop and less likely to receive lifesaving CPR or AED help. That's why expanding Hands-Only CPR and AED awareness in Black communities is urgent. When more families, neighbors and faith communities are trained and confident to act, more lives can be saved.”

— William "BJ" Hicks, The American Heart Association's 2025 Physician of the Year, a neurologist specializing in stroke treatment, prevention and research bringing mobile stroke care to his hometown in Columbus, Ohio (Mirage News)

What’s next

The American Heart Association is bringing its message to living rooms, congregations, classrooms and neighborhood gathering places through culturally responsive outreach and training. Individuals can join the Nation of Lifesavers™ by watching a 90-second Hands-Only CPR video, practicing the two key steps and looking for the nearest AED in the places they live, learn, work and pray.

The takeaway

Expanding access to CPR training and awareness of AEDs in Black communities can help save lives when every second counts during a cardiac emergency. By working hand-in-hand with local organizations and empowering communities, the American Heart Association is working to close the gap in cardiovascular health disparities and ensure more people are prepared to act as first responders.