February is American Heart Month. Join the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation to Empower Hearts to Save Lives!
PITTSBURGH, Feb. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is a life-threatening emergency that occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating. It strikes people of all ages who may seem to be healthy. When SCA happens, the person collapses and doesn't respond or breathe normally. They may gasp or shake as if having a seizure. SCA leads to death in minutes if the person doesn't get help right away. Survival depends on people nearby calling 911, starting CPR, and using an automated external defibrillator (AED), if available, as soon as possible.
Bystander action in cases of sudden cardiac arrest dramatically improves the likelihood of survival. With greater public awareness and understanding, thousands of lives could be saved each year.
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) affects about 1,000 people every day and is a leading cause of death in the United States, with only about 1 in 10 surviving.
This February, in recognition of American Heart Month, the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation is leading the #EmpoweringHeartsToSaveLives awareness campaign, challenging the public to learn the facts about SCA, and empower themselves and others with the knowledge to intervene in the case of sudden cardiac arrest. With 70% of out-of-hospital SCAs occurring in the home, chances are, rescuers could be saving the life of someone they love.
To get involved with the campaign, participants are invited to:
- Share facts posted on the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation's social media accounts
- Participate in the photo/selfie challenge and share how you are Empowering Hearts to Save Lives by downloading the campaign printable sign
- View videos from sudden cardiac arrest survivors sharing their stories, and why it is critical to learn CPR and how to use an AED
- Test their knowledge by taking the interactive online quiz
For the full campaign toolkit, including all assets and graphics, please visit www.sca-aware.org/heart-month.
To learn more about how to use the campaign materials and ideas to get involved this February, view the campaign overview webinar.
This year, the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation celebrates its 20th anniversary. In honor of this milestone, SCAF has created a resource "20 Ways to Support and Engage," which details 20 different opportunities for supporters, advocates, professionals, SCA survivors and their loved ones, to support the SCA Foundation and its work in a variety of meaningful ways. To learn more, view the resource.
Additionally, during American Heart Month this February, the foundation is encouraging supporters to make a $20 donation in honor of 20 years of raising awareness and helping to save lives. Donations can be made via check, or online (debit, credit card, PayPal, Venmo or Apple Pay). The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) organization, and donations are tax-deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law. Thank you for your support.
About Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation
Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation is a national community benefit 501(c)(3) organization. Our vision is to eliminate preventable death and disability from sudden cardiac arrest and support people affected by SCA. Our mission is to raise awareness of SCA and promote initiatives that help save lives through education, research, and community. Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation is the home of the Cardiac Arrest Survivor Alliance and a proud co-sponsor of the Call-Push-Shock movement.
Media Contact
Gina Peattie, MPA, Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation,
518.291.9181, gina.peattie@sca-aware.org, https://www.sca-aware.org
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SOURCE Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation