South Charlotte Today

The American Heart Association has announced a partnership with The David & Nicole Tepper Foundation (DNTF) to enhance CPR and AED education in Charlotte through the Association’s Nation of Lifesavers movement. The DNTF will contribute $600,000 to support training in Charlotte youth sports, preparing coaches, athletes, and sports league officials for cardiac emergency situations. The funding will also aid CPR education within the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Department and affordable housing communities.

Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association, remarked: “This ongoing commitment from the foundation helps everyone throughout Tepper Sports and Entertainment be ready to identify, act and save lives in a cardiac emergency.”

The American Heart Association data indicates that almost 90% of cardiac arrests outside hospitals result in fatalities, partly due to the lack of immediate CPR. The organization aims to double survival rates from sudden cardiac arrests by 2030.

“Our foundation is proud to continue this important, life-saving work right here in our community,” said Nicole Tepper.

After the 2023 cardiac incident involving Buffalo Bills’ Damar Hamlin, the Teppers supported CPR education by offering the Heartsaver CPR AED course to Tepper Sports & Entertainment staff. This made the Carolina Panthers the first NFL team to enhance cardio emergency response with American Heart Association support.

DNTF, beyond its financial donation, continues its commitment with staff training and education. At Bank of America Stadium, Tepper Sports & Entertainment employees now have the opportunity to acquire or renew their Heartsaver credentials at no cost.

A recent American Heart Association survey shows increased CPR readiness among Americans, with the confidence to perform CPR rising from 30% to 35% between 2021 and 2023.

The American Heart Association continues to lead resuscitation science and training and stresses the importance of knowing CPR, given that most cardiac arrests occur at home. The organization emphasizes Hands-Only CPR as an effective and simple life-saving technique.

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