Most people who suffer cardiac arrest outside a hospital don't survive, largely because they don't receive CPR, according to the American Heart Association. This year's Dow Championship golf event aims to help change that. LPGA fans can learn how to save a life with Hands Only CPR training from the American Heart Association at the event.
The American Heart Association will host its Nation of Lifesavers Mobile CPR unit on-site, offering walk-up, Hands-Only CPR instruction throughout tournament days in Midland, Michigan. Qualified CPR trainers will be available to teach fans the simple, lifesaving skill that can make the difference in the critical moments before first responders arrive.
Participants will learn the correct rate and depth of compressions and how Hands-Only CPR can be just as effective as traditional CPR during the first few minutes of an emergency. It's simple: call 911 if you see a teen or adult collapse, then push hard and fast in the center of the chest. Increasing the number of people ready to act improves survival outcomes.
The American Heart Association and the LPGA, together with Dow, are committed to empowering more people to be confident and capable when faced with a cardiac emergency. This adds more trained individuals to the Association's Nation of Lifesavers movement, which aims to double survival rates by 2030.
As part of Dow's SOAR Summit taking place during tournament week, featured guests will participate in a fireside chat highlighting resilience and recovery following cardiac events. NFL Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders and National Women's Soccer League player Savy King will join American Heart Association Chief Executive Officer Nancy Brown to share personal stories of hope and encourage golf fans everywhere to join the Nation of Lifesavers. Their message underscores the importance of learning CPR and being prepared to respond in an emergency.
"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. Through the Nation of Lifesavers, we're equipping people with the confidence and skills to step in during those critical moments," said Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association. "We're grateful to work with Dow and the LPGA at the Dow Championship to bring this lifesaving education directly to the community and to amplify the powerful voices of survivors and advocates who remind us that learning CPR truly can mean the difference between life and death."
The American Heart Association is the worldwide leader in resuscitation science, education, and training. The Association publishes the official scientific guidelines for CPR. According to Association data, 9 out of every 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside of a hospital die—often because they do not receive immediate CPR. When administered right away, CPR can double or even triple a person's chance of survival.
This marks another major sporting moment for the American Heart Association's Nation of Lifesavers initiative, which has activated at some of the country's largest fan events to expand CPR awareness and training. Previous engagements include Super Bowl LX in San Francisco, LIX in New Orleans, LVIII in Las Vegas, LVII in Phoenix, the 2023 NFL Draft in Kansas City, the 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit, the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay, the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh and the 2024 NBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis. The Mobile CPR Unit will also be appearing in several FIFA Fan Festival sites this summer including New York City, Philadelphia, Atlanta and Dallas.
