Long Island Soccer League Receives Lifesaving CPR Training Kit

With support from Wegmans, the American Heart Association provides CPR and First Aid resources to Sachem Youth Soccer League to help protect young athletes and their communities

LONG ISLAND, June 5, 2025 — The American Heart Association, a global force for longer, healthier lives, and Wegmans are working together to strengthen the local chain of survival by equipping youth sports communities with CPR and First Aid training resources.

Sachem Youth Soccer League received a CPR & First Aid in Youth Sports Training Kit from Wegmans on May 14, 2025, at Wegmans Lake Grove, New York, as part of a larger effort to empower coaches, volunteers and families with the knowledge and tools to respond to cardiac emergencies. Each kit is designed to train up to 300 people per year in CPR, AED use and how to act during sports-related incidents.

More than 350,000 people in the United States experience sudden cardiac arrest outside of a hospital each year. Roughly 90% of them do not survive. When CPR is performed immediately, it can double or even triple a person’s chances of survival. Yet bystanders only step in to provide CPR 46% of the time. About 70% of these cardiac arrests occur at home or in private settings, making it more likely that a friend or family member will need to take action.

“For us, this kit is not just a training tool. It is about giving our coaches and parents the ability to act quickly and confidently in a situation where every second counts,” said Lauren Flandrau, Sachem Youth Soccer League first aid organizer. “Whether on the field or off, these skills can make the difference between life and death.”

“At Wegmans, our commitment to community health means taking proactive steps to help people live safer, stronger lives,” said Dawn Cooper, Wegmans Lake Grove store manager. “Working with the American Heart Association allows us to extend that commitment into the youth sports community, where trained bystanders can protect lives and set an example for others.”

“Our goal is to make sure lifesaving knowledge is in the hands of as many people as possible, especially in places where cardiac emergencies are most likely to occur,” said Tara Schneider, executive director of the American Heart Association on Long Island. “This initiative gives families and communities a chance to be the difference when it matters most.”

The training promotes Hands-Only CPR, a simplified and effective method recommended for use on teens and adults. It involves two steps: call 911 and push hard and fast in the center of the chest at a rate of 100 to 120 beats per minute.

This donation is part of a broader initiative by the American Heart Association and Wegmans to distribute 300 CPR & First Aid in Youth Sports Training Kits across nine states where Wegmans operates.

To learn more about this program, visit www.heart.org/WegmansCPR.

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Instagram, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

For Media Inquiries:

Bong Arquiza: Bong.Arquiza@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org