The David & Nicole Tepper Foundation Gives $600,000 for CPR Training in Charlotte

A major push to save lives in Charlotte is underway. The David and Nicole Tepper Foundation has pledged $600,000 to boost CPR and AED training through a partnership with the American Heart Association.

Most cardiac arrests strike at home, in three out of four cases. Quick action triples survival odds. The American Heart Association keeps it simple: call 911, then push hard and fast on the chest's center.

The funds will spread life-saving skills to youth sports staff, athletes, league officials, and residents in affordable housing. Most people who face cardiac arrest outside hospitals don't survive, a stark fact driving this initiative. Without quick CPR, nine in ten victims die.

"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," said Nancy Brown to Panthers.com.

After Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin collapsed from cardiac arrest in 2023, the Teppers took action. They funded CPR training for staff at the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte FC, and Bank of America Stadium. This new program builds on those efforts.

"We are proud to expand the Association's education and training services throughout Mecklenburg County," said Nicole Tepper to Panthers.com.

Stadium workers now get free Heartsaver certification. The training stays valid for two years, making sure skills stay fresh.

Recent data shows promise. The share of U.S. adults confident in performing CPR jumped from 30% to 35% in just two years. This upward trend points to growing awareness.

This local effort fits into a bigger mission: the American Heart Association aims to double cardiac arrest survival rates within six years.