Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (Feb. 14, 2025) — The American Red Cross of Utah is marking Valentine’s Day with a heartfelt message that could save lives. February is American Heart Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness around heart health, and the Red Cross is urging everyone to take action by learning lifesaving skills like CPR, Hands-Only CPR and AED usage. These essential skills can make all the difference in an emergency when minutes truly matter.
“Minutes count when the heart stops,” said Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. “We want to empower everyone to step in with confidence and knowledge during an emergency. Learning CPR or Hands-Only CPR gives you the tools to act quickly, save lives and be a hero within your family or community.”
More than 350,000 people experience cardiac arrest each year in the United States, and three out of four occurrences happen at home or work. When the heart stops beating, every second matters. CPR keeps vital oxygenated blood flowing to the brain and heart, doubling or even tripling the chances of survival. Continuing blood flow, even partially, extends the time for trained medical professionals to arrive and provide advanced care.
“This might not be your typical Valentine’s Day gift like flowers or chocolate, but giving the gift of CPR training, or taking a class yourself, shows true care and compassion,” Ruster said. “Our classes cater to all skill levels and offer participants the rewarding experience of being better prepared.”
Get Trained with the Red Cross
The American Red Cross offers certified training in person, online and in blended formats to fit every schedule. Classes cover traditional CPR, Hands-Only CPR (chest compressions without rescue breathing) and AED use, which can restart the heart and reduce the risk of serious brain damage or death. For information on available courses and to sign up, visit redcross.com/take-a-class.
Additionally, the Red Cross provides free Hands-Only CPR training for schools, workplaces, and community or faith-based groups. To request a presentation, visit rdcrss.org/3KdoALo.
Stay Prepared with the Red Cross First Aid App
Download the free Red Cross First Aid app for instant access to step-by-step instructions for common first aid emergencies, including CPR and AED guidance. The app is available in English and Spanish and works with Apple Watch and Android wearable devices. Search “American Red Cross” in your app store or visit redcross.org/apps.
American Heart Month’s Legacy of Advocacy
American Heart Month has been observed every February since 1964, following a proclamation from President Lyndon B. Johnson, who himself was a heart attack survivor. This initiative emphasizes heart health, encourages healthy lifestyle choices, and educates the public on lifesaving actions in the face of cardiac emergencies. This Valentine’s Day and throughout American Heart Month, the American Red Cross joins other organizations in reinforcing the importance of being prepared to act in the critical moments that can save lives.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.