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By: Amy Charles | February 26, 2026
The University of Pikeville (UPIKE) has received a $20,000 grant from the American Heart Association (AHA) to support the implementation of a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan to improve preparedness and response to cardiac emergencies on campus.
The grant will support UPIKE’s participation in the AHA’s Cardiac Emergency Response Plan program, which focuses on reducing deaths from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest through early intervention, CPR training and access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs).
“The American Heart Association is thrilled to see the University of Pikeville taking such a proactive and inspiring step toward strengthening cardiac emergency preparedness on campus. Empowering students, faculty and staff with hands-on CPR opportunities doesn’t just build skills—it builds confidence, readiness and a community of lifesavers. Every person who learns CPR increases the chances that a life can be saved, and we’re proud to work alongside UPIKE as they lead by example in creating a safer, heart‑healthy campus.” Andrea Ooten, Executive Director of the Central and Eastern Kentucky American Heart Association
According to the AHA, more than 350,000 adults and 23,000 children experience out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in the United States each year, with survival rates improving significantly when CPR and defibrillation are administered promptly.
Through the grant, UPIKE will establish and adopt a campus-wide Cardiac Emergency Response Plan, develop a Cardiac Emergency Response Team and identify a program champion to oversee implementation. The initiative also includes training at least four to eight staff members in American Heart Association-certified CPR, expanding hands-only CPR training to faculty, staff, resident advisors and students, and purchasing at least four AED devices with appropriate signage and maintenance support.
“Because of this grant, our campus will be better prepared to respond when every second counts and ultimately, that preparation means something very important. It means that lives will be saved,” said Director of UPIKE Public Safety Lee Upchurch. “Thank you to the American Heart Association and all of our partners who helped make this possible. Together, we are building a safer and healthier community.”
As part of the initiative, the university will collaborate with local first responders, including EMS, fire and police departments, to determine optimal AED placement and conduct annual emergency response drills. UPIKE is also working closely with the AHA, which is providing CPR and First Aid Anywhere training kits to support implementation.