Corewell Health and Champions of the Heart Foundation bring cardiac emergency response training to residents

Corewell Health and the Champions of the Heart Foundation are joining forces to expand emergency preparedness and lifesaving training across Michigan, aiming to equip more residents with the skills needed to respond to cardiac emergencies. Announced in February 2026, the partnership aims to provide greater access to hands-only CPR education and automated external defibrillators (AEDs) through free, community-based training sessions statewide. These sessions are designed to teach practical emergency response techniques to and build confidence in bystanders who don’t have medical training, as well as stress to them that immediate action can significantly improve survival rates during sudden cardiac arrest. “In a cardiac emergency, fear can take over, and no one should have to face that moment without the right tools or training,” said Carlos Cubia, executive vice president and chief community health impact and belonging officer at Corewell Health.

The initiative is deeply rooted in personal experience and community impact, inspired by Champions of the Heart founder Mike Garland, whose life was saved in 2022 when bystanders performed CPR. His story has fueled a mission to make lifesaving skills widely accessible and to ensure communities are better prepared for emergencies. Through this collaboration, Corewell Health and the foundation are bringing training directly into schools, businesses and athletic organizations, creating a more connected and responsive statewide network. “My motivation stems from a personal experience with cardiac arrest… I am dedicated to empowering as many people as possible to respond effectively in similar circumstances,” said Garland.

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