SR684: SR684 American Heart Month; recognize February 2026

This resolution does not change Georgia law. It formally recognizes February 2026 as American Heart Month at the state capitol. The text cites statistics on cardiac arrest, including that most out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen at home, that immediate CPR can double or triple survival chances, and that children and women face particular gaps in receiving timely CPR. The Senate resolves to encourage all Georgia residents to learn CPR, raise awareness about cardiac arrest and emergency response, and support the American Heart Association's 'Nation of Lifesavers' initiative, which aims to double survival rates from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest by 2030. It also directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute copies of the resolution to the public and press.

• Formally designates February 2026 as American Heart Month in recognition ceremonies at the Georgia state capitol.
• Encourages Georgia residents to learn CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and how to use automated external defibrillators (AEDs).
• Expresses Senate support for the American Heart Association's goal to double out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survival by 2030.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute copies of the resolution to the public and the press.
• Creates no new legal requirements, funding, or penalties under Georgia law.

This resolution is symbolic and does not impose obligations on specific groups. It speaks broadly to Georgia residents, encouraging them to learn CPR, and references schools, workplaces, and public spaces as settings where cardiac emergency response could be strengthened.

While the resolution carries no legal force, it publicly highlights cardiac arrest statistics and encourages more Georgians to learn CPR and support defibrillator access, which could raise awareness even though it creates no funding, training mandate, or enforcement mechanism.

• The whereas clauses cite that over 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur annually in the U.S., with about a 10 percent survival rate.
• The resolution notes only about 41 percent of cardiac arrest victims receive immediate CPR and fewer than 12 percent receive AED help before advanced responders arrive.
• The Senate resolves to recognize February 2026 as American Heart Month and encourage residents to learn CPR and support the 'Nation of Lifesavers' initiative.
• The Senate directs its Secretary to make copies of the resolution available to the public and press.

1. 2026-02-24Senate Passed/Adopted By Substitute (Senate)
2. 2026-02-06Senate Read Second Time (Senate)
3. 2026-02-05Senate Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute (Senate)
4. 2026-02-03Senate Read and Referred (Senate)
5. 2026-02-02Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Sonya Halpern (D, SD-039)Primary sponsor
• Kim Jackson (D, SD-041)
• Elena Parent (D, SD-044)
• Clint Dixon (R, SD-045)
• Randal Mangham (D, SD-055)
• Nikki Merritt (D, SD-009)
• Marty Harbin (R, SD-016)
• Chuck Hufstetler (R, SD-052)
• Drew Echols (R, SD-049)
• Chuck Payne (R, SD-054)
• Gail Davenport (D, SD-017)
• Sally Harrell (D, SD-040)
• Ben Watson (R, SD-001)
• Kay Kirkpatrick (R, SD-032)

1. PassedSenate voteFebruary 24, 2026

   51 yea, 0 nay (3 not voting, 1 absent)

   Consent Calendar Expressing The Will Of The Senate: Senate Vote #572

• American Heart Month
• cardiac arrest awareness
• CPR training
• public health
• emergency response