Champions of the Heart and Corewell Health unite to expand emergency preparedness across Michigan

The new collaboration brings free CPR and AED education to communities statewide.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., February 17, 2026 – Champions of the Heart Foundation and Corewell Health™ are launching a statewide effort to train more Michiganders in lifesaving skills and emergency preparedness. This new partnership will expand access to hands-only cardiopulmonary recitation (CPR) training and automated external defibrillators (AEDs), supporting more people as they gain the confidence, knowledge and tools to act quickly during sudden cardiac arrest.

Champions of the Heart was created by former Michigan State University Assistant Head Basketball Coach Mike Garland, whose life was saved in 2022 when bystanders acted quickly after his sudden cardiac arrest while driving. Since then, the organization has worked to place AEDs across the state and increase public access to high-quality training.

“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 Mike Garland, Founder & President of Champions of the Heart Foundation. “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.”

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in Michigan, and survival often relies on how quickly a bystander steps in. According to the American Heart Association, when CPR starts immediately, survival can double or triple and when an AED is used, survival rates can be even higher. By bringing lifesaving skills directly into schools, businesses and sports organizations across the state, this partnership aims to build a more prepared and connected Michigan.

“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. “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.”

Training sessions offered through this collaboration will teach hands-only CPR techniques, how to use and place AEDs and emergency response best practices. The effort is grounded in the simple message that people of all experience levels can learn the basics of CPR and be part of the lifesaving response.

The first joint community event will take place on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at 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 offered through this partnership are free and open to the public. Additional training dates and locations will be announced throughout the year.

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

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Media Contacts:

Alexis Bolo Neal

Alexis.boloneal@corewellhealth.org

Ashlee Willis

Ashlee@michiganpremierevents.com