Multiple activations including Hands-Only CPR demonstrations made available during 2025 MEAC Basketball Tournament to educate on the leading cause of sudden cardiac death in athletes
NORFOLK, VA., March 17, 2025 — The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, is working in the Hampton Roads community to educate Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) students, fans and alumni about Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) and the importance of learning Hands-Only CPR.
Last week during the MEAC Tournament from March 12, 2025 through March 15, 2025, the American Heart Association joined forces with the conference in a myriad of ways to include honoring recipients during the MEAC Basketball Tournament Awards, leading Hands-Only CPR demonstrations and interactive activities focused on the Association’s Life’s Essential 8 guidance during the Student Leadership Symposium, sharing collaborative social media updates and providing consistent digital on-screen and live messaging throughout the tournament during each basketball game around HCM and the Nation of Lifesavers reaching thousands of attendees at a time.
Nation of Lifesavers is a movement to double the survival rate of sudden cardiac arrest by the year 2030. With Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin as national ambassador, the goal of the American Heart Association’s Nation of Lifesavers™ is to turn bystanders into lifesavers, so that in the time of cardiac emergency anyone, anywhere is prepared and empowered to become a vital link in the chain of survival and provide CPR.
HCM is defined by the thickening and stiffening of the walls of the heart. As a result, the HCM heart is unable to function normally since the heart’s chambers cannot fill up or pump blood out adequately.
EVERY 72 HRS a young athlete dies from sudden cardiac arrest and over 40% of coaches have NEVER been trained in CPR. HCM is the cause of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in nearly 40% of cases. Nearly two-thirds of athletes who suffered SCD were 17 years old or younger and still in high school. Studies have also revealed a strong male preponderance for SCD, particularly in African American athletes who compete in sports with sudden movements and adrenaline and noradrenaline surges such as football or basketball.
Locally, the American Heart Association Hampton Roads has increased the footprint of Hands-Only CPR demonstrations and the education around HCM in sports atmospheres having led a large demonstration in collaboration with the MiLB Norfolk Tides, Hampton University athletics and Norfolk State University athletics.
“We are thrilled to embark on this new journey with the MEAC. This collaboration opens up a world of opportunities, and we are eager to innovate and achieve great success together,” shared MeShall Simmons, Executive Director for the American Heart Association Hampton Roads. “The energy and enthusiasm from both sides are palpable, and we can’t wait to see what we can accomplish as a united team. Additionally, we are committed to promoting health and wellness through our initiatives, ensuring that our efforts not only drive success but also contribute to the well-being of our community.”
HBCUs and Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) on average have about 500 athletes spanning all sports on campus. There is an estimated 1 in 500 people who have HCM, although a large percentage of those cases remain undiagnosed. The American Heart Association is taking a stance to educate and encourage early testing.
“Our partnership with the American Heart Association is a cornerstone of our commitment to our community,” said MEAC Commissioner Sonja Stills. “By working together, we can expand awareness of cardiovascular disease, promote heart-healthy initiatives, and provide communities with the critical resources they need to lead healthier lives. This collaboration enables us to drive meaningful change and foster a lasting impact on heart health for generations to come.”
The American Heart Association is working alongside our communities to ensure that everyone has the chance learn about the potential risk of HCM. HCM is the most common form of inherited heart disease and can affect people of any age. If you struggle with shortness of breath, chest pain or heart palpitations, fatigue, fainting, or if you have a family history of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) or sudden cardiac death, speak to your doctor about whether you may have HCM.
The American Heart Association’s HCM awareness and education in athletes is made possible in part by a grant from the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
About the MEAC
The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) enters its 54th year of intercollegiate competition with the 2024-25 academic school year. Located in Norfolk, Va., the MEAC is made up of eight outstanding historically black institutions across the Atlantic coastline: Coppin State University, Delaware State University, Howard University, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Morgan State University, Norfolk State University, North Carolina Central University and South Carolina State University.
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