(L) Survivors and advocates stand in front of the Capitol with their march signs, (middle) Survivor Dr. Delya Sommerville was one of the advocates participating in the rally, (R) Survivors and advocates march from the Washington Monument to the U.S. Capitol
From June 5 to 7, 2025, heart health advocates from across the country gathered in Washington, DC, for the 5th Annual National CPR & AED Awareness Rally and March. This powerful three-day event, organized by Every Second Counts CPR and supported by organizations like the American Heart Association (AHA), aimed to raise awareness about sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), the importance of CPR training, and the life-saving potential of automated external defibrillators (AEDs).
The rally kicked off on Thursday, June 5, with a warm and welcoming Heart Advocate Meet & Greet. This informal gathering allowed participants to introduce their organizations, share stories and build community. Representatives from the AHA were present to connect with grassroots advocates and discuss ongoing initiatives to improve cardiac arrest survival rates nationwide. The evening set a collaborative tone for the days ahead.
Friday, June 6, was the heart of the event. The day began at the Washington Monument, where advocates and survivors gathered for a march to the U.S. Capitol, followed by a second march to the White House. Along the way, participants carried signs, wore red, and shared personal stories of survival and loss. Attendees were also fortunate to hear Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, a sitting member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Florida’s 20th district, who shared her support for the event. The AHA played a key role by providing CPR training stations and educational materials during the afternoon rally in front of the White House. The day concluded with a heart advocate dinner, where AHA leaders spoke about national policy efforts and the importance of community CPR education.
Greater Washington Region survivor, advocate and public health leader, Dr. Delya Sommerville, was one of many survivors who attended Friday’s march. She had the opportunity to revisit the very place her cardiac arrest occurred. Nearly four years ago, Delya collapsed in front of the Capitol on a morning run. A bystander called Capitol Hill Police who performed CPR and administered an AED. She shares, “Only one in 10 people survive a cardiac arrest outside of a hospital environment. In a cardiac arrest, every minute counts. That is why I am here today advocating for CPR and AEDs.”
(L) Advocates dress in heart costumes advocating for learning CPR, (M), the lawn in front of the Washington Monument lined with 5,000 red flags and signs with CPR statistics (R) AHA representatives attend CPR March and Rally
Saturday, June 7 was dedicated to hands-on learning and remembrance. The day featured free CPR and AED demonstrations, a live DJ, and family-friendly activities. A highlight was a mass CPR Relay, which drew enthusiastic participation. The AHA helped lead training sessions and supported emotional healing through meetups for SCA survivors and families affected by cardiac arrest. The event also featured the “Turning of the Tide” project, a moving display of 5,000 red flags honoring those impacted by SCA.
The 2025 CPR & AED Awareness Rally and March was more than just an event; it was a movement. With the AHA’s continued leadership in advocacy, training, and research, the rally served as a reminder that every second counts when it comes to saving lives. As the red flags waved across the National Mall, they symbolized both loss and hope—a call to action for a future where more lives are saved through awareness, education, and access to life-saving tools.
You can become part of the Nation of Lifesavers by learning CPR and advocating for policies that make lifesaving skills more accessible to everyone. Visit HERE to urge Congress to support legislation that expands CPR education and access to AEDs, helping ensure more people are prepared to act in a cardiac emergency.