Senate Resolution 684
By: Senators Halpern of the 39th, Jackson of the 41st, Parent of the 44th, Dixon of the 45th,
Mangham of the 55th and others
ADOPTED SENATE
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing February 2026 as American Heart Month; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS, cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death worldwide, and each year more than
350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of hospitals in the United States, with approximately
10 percent of people surviving; and
WHEREAS, about 70 percent of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur at home, meaning that
people nearby!often family members!are the first and most critical link in the chain of
survival; and
WHEREAS, immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can double or even triple a
person's chance of survival, yet only about 41 percent of people who experience cardiac
arrest receive immediate CPR from someone nearby, and fewer than 12 percent receive aid
from an automated external defibrillator (AED) before advanced help arrives; and
WHEREAS, for adults and teens, Hands-Only CPR, calling 911, and pushing hard and fast
in the center of the chest can double or triple the chance of survival, while infants and
children require CPR with rescue breaths to restore oxygen and circulation; and
WHEREAS, each year more than 23,000 children experience cardiac arrest outside of the
hospital, with almost 40 percent related to sports and nearly 20 percent occurring among
infants; cardiac arrest accounts for 10 to 15 percent of sudden unexpected infant deaths; and
WHEREAS, studies show that women are less likely than men to receive CPR before
advanced help arrives due to fear of causing harm, perceived legal risk, or discomfort about
physical contact-factors that must be addressed through education and awareness; and
WHEREAS, the American Heart Association has set a bold goal to double survival from
out-of-hospital cardiac arrest by 2030 through its "Nation of Lifesavers" initiative,
empowering people everywhere to confidently perform CPR and use AEDs; and
WHEREAS, straightforward, community-based solutions such as CPR and AED education,
public access to defibrillators, and cardiac emergency response plans (CERPs) in schools,
workplaces, and public spaces can save lives and strengthen community readiness.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body
recognize February 2026 as American Heart Month at the state capitol and encourage all
residents to learn CPR, promote awareness of cardiac arrest and emergency response, and
join the effort to build a "Nation of Lifesavers," ensuring that every person, everywhere, is
prepared to act in a cardiac emergency.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed
to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the public and the
press.