Corewell Health and Champions of the Heart Partner to Expand CPR and AED Training Across Michigan

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Corewell Health™ and the Champions of the Heart Foundation have joined forces to expand access to lifesaving CPR and AED training throughout Michigan, the organizations announced February 17, 2026. The collaboration aims to equip more Michiganders with the skills and confidence to respond effectively during a sudden cardiac arrest.

Addressing a Critical Need

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in Michigan and swift bystander intervention is crucial for survival. According to the American Heart Association, immediate CPR can double or triple a person’s chance of survival, and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) can further improve outcomes.

Champions of the Heart: A Personal Mission

Champions of the Heart was founded by Mike Garland, former Assistant Head Basketball Coach at Michigan State University. Garland’s life was saved in 2022 when bystanders performed CPR after he suffered a cardiac arrest while driving. Driven by this personal experience, Garland established the foundation to increase public access to CPR training and AEDs.

“It is my heartfelt ambition to establish Champions of the Heart as a leading organization that teaches bystander hands-only CPR and the appropriate use of an AED nationwide,” said Garland. “My motivation stems from a personal experience with cardiac arrest: in 2022, two individuals saved my life by performing CPR. Because of that, I am dedicated to empowering as many people as possible to respond effectively in similar circumstances.”

The Corewell Health Partnership

This partnership with Corewell Health will expand the reach of Champions of the Heart’s efforts, bringing free, hands-only CPR training and AED education to communities across the state. The initiative will focus on providing training in schools, businesses, and community organizations.

“In a month devoted to heart health, what better time to share access to lifesaving knowledge that can save a heart, and someone’s loved one,” said Carlos Cubia, executive vice president, chief community health impact and belonging officer at Corewell Health. “In a cardiac emergency, fear can take over, and no one should have to face that moment without the right tools or training. That’s why it’s so important that Corewell Health and Champions of the Heart are creating more opportunities for people across our communities to learn, practice and feel confident taking action. When lifesaving skills are within everyone’s reach, we build a future where families, teams and neighborhoods feel supported, prepared and empowered.”

Upcoming Training Opportunities

The first joint community event will be held on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at the Grand Valley State University Kelly Family Sports Center, with sessions from 1 p.m. To 2 p.m. And 3 p.m. To 4 p.m. All training opportunities are free and open to the public. Additional dates and locations will be announced throughout the year.

To learn more and register for the April 12 event, visit www.TheChampionsoftheHeart.org/training.

About Champions of the Heart

Champions of the Heart has already trained over 1,500 people in hands-only CPR and raised more than $100,000 for AED placements and training. The foundation is dedicated to increasing the number of AEDs in communities and empowering individuals with the skills to respond to cardiac emergencies. Learn more at thechampionsoftheheart.org.

About Corewell Health

Corewell Health is committed to improving the health and well-being of the communities it serves. This partnership with Champions of the Heart reflects that commitment by expanding access to vital emergency preparedness training. Learn more at newsroom.corewellhealth.org.