Walgreens and the American Heart Association are working together to turn bystanders into lifesavers by raising awareness of CPR and AEDs, critical tools that can save a life when someone experiences cardiac arrest.
The company, which serves about 9 million customers a day, now has the opportunity to help care for communities in even more meaningful ways, said Walgreens Boots Alliance CEO Tim Wentworth.
Walgreens has announced their $15 million nationwide fundraising commitment to the American Heart Association’s Nation of Lifesavers to accelerate and expand the Association’s CPR and AED public awareness and education efforts to millions more including Walgreens customers and team members.
“We know the real impact of sudden cardiac arrest when the tools to treat it are not immediately available,” said Wentworth, a long-time member of the Association’s CEO Roundtable.
Cardiac arrest, when the heart suddenly stops beating, is a leading cause of death in the United States. More than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside a hospital every year, and 90% are fatal. Immediate CPR and AED use can double or even triple the chance of survival. However, less than half of those who experience sudden cardiac arrest receive bystander assistance.
Wentworth added that Walgreens’ expanded relationship with the American Heart Association will empower more people to assist in a cardiac emergency. The company’s involvement in Nation of Lifesavers builds on its long-standing support of the Association across the country through ongoing community engagement and fundraising efforts.
Research shows a growing willingness among adults to perform CPR since the start of the Nation of Lifesavers movement in 2023.
“The goal of the Nation of Lifesavers is to ensure that anyone, anywhere is prepared to take action in the event of a cardiac emergency,” Wentworth said. “We’re proud to do our part to accelerate an initiative that helps deliver more of that care in our communities.”
Editor’s Note: The Nation of Lifesavers story series highlights the efforts of AHA CEO Roundtable member companies and organizations. The American Heart Association does not endorse or promote any specific products or services from Walgreens or any other organization. Comments and opinions expressed by individuals outside the Association in this editorial do not necessarily reflect the views of the American Heart Association.