Great Northern Elementary receives grant to improve cardiac emergency preparedness

Spokane, Wash., May 7, 2026 - Cardiac emergencies can happen without warning in classrooms, in hallways and on athletic fields - and when they do, every second counts. More than 23,000 children experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital each year in the United States [1] , underscoring why schools need to be prepared to respond quickly.

To help strengthen cardiac emergency preparedness, the American Heart Association awarded Great Northen Elementary in Spokane, Wash., a CPR in Schools grant through its school-based programs, Kids Heart Challenge™ and American Heart Challenge™ . "As someone who survived cardiac arrest, I know firsthand how critical those first few minutes are, and how lifesaving CPR can be," said Chad Brown, board chair for the American Heart Association - Washington and founder and chief executive officer of CommEx Advisors.

"As a parent, I also believe strongly in equipping young people with real-world, lifesaving skills. When a cardiac emergency happens at school, students and staff shouldn't have to wait for help to arrive - they should be ready to act.