DALLAS - November 5, 2026 (NEWMEDIAWIRE) - Nearly 9 in 10 people who experience cardiac arrest outside a hospital do not survive, according to the American Heart Association, yet immediate CPR can double or even triple a person's chance of survival. During National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) Championship Weekend, the American Heart Association, devoted to changing the future to a world of healthier lives for all, will help fans learn Hands-Only CPR at the inaugural NWSL Championship 5K presented by CVS Health, giving more people the skills and confidence to act in a cardiac emergency.
The NWSL Championship 5K will take place Nov. 21 at The Wharf in Washington, D.C., bringing together runners, soccer fans and supporters from across the country as part of the league’s Championship Weekend festivities. The American Heart Association will provide Hands-Only CPR education designed to help more people recognize the signs of cardiac arrest and understand how quick action can help save a life.
The CPR awareness activation at the 5K builds on the NWSL's growing commitment to heart health through its formal collaboration with the American Heart Association. Together, the organizations have provided CPR and automated external defibrillator (AED) education to professional players, coaches and staff across all 16 clubs, making the NWSL the first American professional sports league to offer CPR training leaguewide.
Led by Angel City FC defender and cardiac arrest survivor Savy King, player ambassadors across the league encourage fans to learn Hands-Only CPR, understand the importance of AEDs and take charge of their heart health.
"Most people who experience cardiac arrest outside a hospital depend on someone nearby to take action before medical help arrives," said Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association. "NWSL Championship Weekend gives the American Heart Association an opportunity to help more people learn Hands-Only CPR and gain the confidence to act when every second counts."
The American Heart Association’s CPR experience is a component part of the Association’s comprehensive Nation of Lifesavers™ movement, whose overall aim is to double the survival rates of cardiac arrest by the year 2030. Through Hands-Only CPR education, the movement helps drive awareness while prompting more people to gain the skills and confidence to take action during a cardiac emergency.
The American Heart Association is the worldwide leader in resuscitation science, education and training, and publishes the official scientific guidelines for CPR. Hands-Only CPR, also known as compression-only CPR, can be effective in the first few minutes after a teen or adult experiences cardiac arrest and is a skill everyone everywhere can learn. It is as simple as calling 911 and pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest.
The American Heart Association has been identified by the Annenberg Public Policy Center as the most trusted public health information source after an individual’s personal health care provider - more than 8 in 10 (82%) U.S. adults say they are confident in the American Heart Association to provide trustworthy information related to public health.
At the NWSL Championship 5K, fans can visit the American Heart Association CPR experience to practice Hands-Only CPR, learn how to recognize cardiac arrest and become part of the Nation of Lifesavers movement. To learn more, visit www.heart.org/nation.
Additional Resources:
- Bystander CPR | Bystander CPR Infographic (PDF)
- Hands-Only CPR Resources
- Hands-Only CPR vs CPR with Breaths
- Cardiac Arrest vs. Heart Attack
- Reducing Disparities for Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest – Community Toolkit: English and Spanish versions available
- Take 90 seconds to learn how to save a life at www.heart.org/HandsOnlyCPR.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
American Heart Association: Hannah Blackwell, Hannah.Blackwell@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
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