The Dow Championship golf event is taking a swing at saving lives by offering Hands-Only CPR training to attendees, an initiative that addresses the stark reality that most out-of-hospital cardiac arrest victims do not survive due to lack of immediate CPR. According to the American Heart Association, 9 out of 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside a hospital die, often because bystanders are not prepared to act. The Association's Nation of Lifesavers Mobile CPR unit will be on-site at the tournament in Midland, Michigan, providing walk-up instruction throughout the event.
Qualified CPR trainers will teach fans the correct rate and depth of chest compressions, emphasizing that Hands-Only CPR can be as effective as traditional CPR in the first few minutes of an emergency. The simple steps—call 911, then push hard and fast in the center of the chest—can double or triple a person's chance of survival. This training is part of a broader effort by the American Heart Association, the LPGA, and Dow to empower more individuals to respond confidently to cardiac emergencies and to double survival rates by 2030 through the Nation of Lifesavers movement.
The initiative extends beyond the golf course. During the Dow Championship week, the SOAR Summit will feature a fireside chat with NFL Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders, NWSL player Savy King, and American Heart Association CEO Nancy Brown, who will share personal stories of resilience and recovery following cardiac events. Their message underscores the critical importance of CPR preparedness. "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," said Nancy Brown. "We're grateful to work with Dow and the LPGA to bring this lifesaving education directly to the community."
Dow Chair and CEO Jim Fitterling highlighted 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." This marks another major sporting event where the American Heart Association has activated its Mobile CPR unit, following appearances at Super Bowls, NFL Drafts, and the NBA All-Star Game. The unit will also be at FIFA Fan Festival sites this summer in cities including New York, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Dallas.
The collaboration between the American Heart Association, Dow, and the LPGA aims to ensure communities are better prepared for cardiac emergencies. Fans can learn to save a life in just 90 seconds by visiting heart.org/nation to join the Nation of Lifesavers. The American Heart Association, a leading source of health information for over a century, continues to drive breakthroughs in resuscitation science and public health.
