The American Heart Association has concluded a three-year national campaign aimed at educating college students, particularly at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), about hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and Hands-Only CPR. The initiative, which ended on HCM Awareness Day 2026, sought to address the disproportionate impact of sudden cardiac death on young athletes, especially Black athletes.
HCM is the leading cause of sudden cardiac death in young athletes, affecting an estimated 1 in 500 people, though many cases remain undiagnosed. The condition can trigger sudden cardiac arrest without warning during physical activity. The campaign paired HCM education with Hands-Only CPR training to equip students with skills that can double or triple survival rates.
According to the American Heart Association, sudden cardiac death disproportionately affects Black athletes and is more frequently linked to sports like football or basketball. The campaign included public service announcements in English and Spanish, on-campus CPR demonstrations, and collaborations with Black and multicultural media platforms, such as Sybil Wilkes’ “Check In & Check Up” and the Black America Web platform, reaching over one million monthly unique visitors.
“When students, coaches and families understand both the risks of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and how to respond immediately to sudden cardiac arrest, we create an environment where prevention and preparedness go hand in hand,” said Dr. Matthew Martinez, an American Heart Association volunteer medical expert and co-author of the 2024 HCM guideline. “By pairing evidence-based HCM education with Hands-Only CPR training, this campaign transforms awareness into lifesaving action.”
The campaign engaged student-athletes and families at HBCU homecomings and rivalry games at Hampton University, Norfolk State University, Howard University, and Xavier University of Louisiana, as well as the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Basketball Tournament. Additional education occurred at the United Negro College Fund Leadership Conference and the Hispanic Educational Technology Services Student Experience Summit & Showcase in Puerto Rico.
The American Heart Association also strengthened its Heart Club student-led campus organization to empower students as heart health ambassadors. The campaign demonstrated how sustained, culturally relevant engagement can drive national impact and advance health equity. The initiative was made possible by a financial grant from the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation.
