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American Heart Association and NFL Unveil 2025 Nation of Lifesavers Player Ambassador Class

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

In a push to boost awareness of CPR, the American Heart Association (AHA) and the National Football League (NFL) have announced the 2025 Nation of Lifesavers Player Ambassador Class on World Restart a Heart Day, October 16. The 30-player class, made up of current NFL players, aims to promote lifesaving skills through public service announcements, social media, and local community education events. Notably, two members of the class, Damar Hamlin and Kris Jenkins, will take the field during Thursday Night Football between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals.

Key Takeaways:

  • The AHA and NFL have partnered to promote CPR awareness and training through the 2025 Nation of Lifesavers Player Ambassador Class, featuring 30 current NFL players.
  • Members of the class will support the AHA's call to action by amplifying public service announcements, social media content, and local community education events.
  • To date, the partnership has led to CPR training in local communities, with over half of NFL teams participating in AHA trainings and education opportunities.
  • The partnership also includes a grant program, where the NFL Foundation provides CPR grants to help increase access to CPR and AED training in community neighborhoods.
  • The initiative supports the AHA's goal to double survival rates of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest by 2030.
  • As part of their partnership, the AHA and NFL are also working together to educate youth coaches and fan families on Hands-Only CPR and train in Heartsaver CPR AED.
  • The AHA has also partnered with the Smart Heart Sports Coalition, advocating for evidence-based policies to prevent fatal outcomes from cardiac arrest among high school students.

Statistics:

  • Over half of sudden cardiac arrest victims outside hospitals don't receive immediate CPR, resulting in a 90% fatality rate.
  • Learning Hands-Only CPR takes just 90 seconds and can double or triple survival chances.
  • Since 2023, the NFL Foundation has funded over 50 grants for CPR training and equipment, reaching thousands of community members.
  • Over 23,000 children under the age of 18 experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital annually, with about 40% occurring among student-athletes.
  • Cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death among student-athletes nationwide.

Sources:

  • American Heart Association
  • NFL PLAY 60
  • Smart Heart Sports Coalition
  • NFL Foundation

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