In the United States, more than 350,000 sudden cardiac arrests occur outside of hospitals every year, and 90% are fatal. In an effort to save more lives, Laura Merrick, winner of the American Heart Association’s 2025 national Leaders of Impact campaign and a Chicago health information leader, dedicated her campaign to preventing cardiac arrest deaths after her mother survived cardiac arrest due to a bystander knowing CPR.
Merrick raised more than $380,000 for the Heart Association's mission. Her campaign focused on raising awareness of high blood pressure, a silent killer. Through her efforts, blood pressure hubs will be placed in 18 community-based organizations throughout Chicagoland. These hubs provide free blood pressure monitors, Heart Association guided materials on proper self-measurement, explanations of blood pressure numbers, and local medical provider contacts. The hubs will be implemented through Embracing Community Care, a local initiative designed to provide funding for equipment and resources to improve community health.
In addition to the blood pressure hub program, a self-measurement blood pressure kiosk will be placed in Chicago to teach community members about the importance of checking blood pressure and controlling hypertension. Merrick’s campaign also enables 18 community-based organizations to implement Cardiac Emergency Response Plans, including CPR and AED training for staff and volunteers.
“I want to continue strengthening readiness, especially in communities historically left behind,” said Merrick. “That means advancing CPR and AED access, improving hypertension awareness, expanding blood-pressure monitoring, and helping schools and organizations build Cardiac Emergency Response Plans. My goal is to make lifesaving preparedness a standard - not an exception - across Chicago. When we train more people, equip more places and empower more communities, we save lives long before an emergency becomes a tragedy.”
The Leaders of Impact competition launched on Sept. 18 in hundreds of cities and culminated on Nov. 5. More than 300 local nominees and 1,200 Impact Team members in 72 communities participated. Lee A. Shapiro, J.D., volunteer chairperson of the American Heart Association, said, “The Leaders of Impact campaign involves incredible changemakers, like Laura, who are tirelessly supporting heart health. Laura and her fellow nominees have made a significant impact in their communities, spearheading efforts that will result in better heart and brain health.”
For more information about Leaders of Impact, visit leadersofimpact.heart.org. The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, funded by more than 35 million volunteers globally. Connect with them on heart.org or Facebook.
