• Detroit is the largest HEARTSafe Community in the U.S.
• Residents are encouraged to learn Hands-Only CPR for free from DFD
• Go to detroitmi.gov/departments/detroit-fire-department/heartsafecommunity for more information on how to be HEARTSafe

The City of Detroit, alongside the Detroit Fire Department (DFD) and community partners, proudly celebrated Heart Month today with a Heart Month Survivors Celebration at the Helen Moore Community Center—an event honoring lives saved, progress made, and the collective commitment to improving cardiac outcomes for Detroiters.

The celebration brought together sudden cardiac arrest survivors, first responders, medical professionals, City leaders, and residents to recognize the moments when seconds mattered—and when preparation, training, and teamwork made the difference between life and death.

“Today, we are here to honor the remarkable lives that were saved,” said DFD Executive Fire Commissioner Chuck Simms. “But we are also here to recognize the hard work, dedication, and professionalism of the men and women of the Detroit Fire Department who continue to serve the citizens of Detroit with excellence. Our Code 1 medical response times are among the lowest in the country. Even so, by the time our crews arrive, it can already be too late if no one on scene has attempted CPR. That is why empowering residents with lifesaving skills is so critical.”

Mayor Mary Sheffield applauded the City of Detroit's progress while underscoring the responsibility—and opportunity—still ahead.

“Detroit has made meaningful progress in improving cardiac outcomes, and we should be proud of how far we’ve come,” Mayor Sheffield said. “But progress does not mean the work is finished. If we continue to work together—neighbors, families, first responders, educators, and health professionals—we can rise higher. We are building a Detroit where knowing how to perform CPR is not the exception, but the expectation. I am especially inspired by our young people. With CPR training now required for high school graduation in the State of Michigan, I am confident that this next generation will save countless lives and carry this culture of care forward.”

Detroit’s HEARTSafe Commitment: Real Progress, Measurable Results

Detroit is proud to be recognized as the largest HEARTSafe Community in the U.S., reflecting a comprehensive, citywide strategy to improve survival from sudden cardiac arrest. This designation highlights Detroit’s commitment to public-access AED deployment, partnership with PulsePoint AED, widespread CPR education, coordinated emergency response, and continuous quality improvement driven by data.

According to the 2025 CARES (Cardiac Arrest Registry to Enhance Survival) Report, Detroit has made significant progress in Utstein survival, the national benchmark used to measure outcomes for witnessed cardiac arrests with shockable rhythms. Since joining CARES, Detroit has seen:

• Sustained year-over-year improvement in Utstein survival, reflecting stronger
  early intervention and high-performance EMS care
• Increased bystander CPR participation, a critical factor in survival before first
  responders arrive
• Improved neurologically intact survival, meaning more residents are not just
  surviving—but returning to their families with quality of life

These improvements place Detroit on a strong upward trajectory and demonstrate the impact of coordinated efforts between residents, dispatchers, first responders, hospitals, and City leadership.

“Excellent pre-hospital care is absolutely crucial to ensuring those suffering from sudden cardiac arrest have the best possible chance for a healthy future,” said Dr. Dunne. “As new technologies and best practices emerge, the Detroit Fire Department will continue to adapt, innovate, and move the needle forward—so we can deliver the best possible outcomes for our residents.”

Among those honored was Greshawn Leverett, a Detroit resident and sudden cardiac arrest survivor who was resuscitated by Detroit Fire Department crews and later cared for by the medical team at DMC Sinai-Grace Hospital.

“I’m still here because someone didn’t give up on me,” Leverett said. “My doctor told me I must have nine lives—because at my last checkup, all my labs looked great. I lost my twin brother and my father to heart conditions, so I know just how close this was. The Detroit Fire Department and the team at Sinai Grace gave me more time, more memories, and more life—and that is a gift I will never take for granted.”

As Heart Month continues, Detroit remains committed to expanding CPR education, strengthening emergency response, and building a city where survival is expected—not hoped for.

A Call to Action: Learn CPR—Free Through the Detroit Fire Department

While progress is real, City leaders emphasized that survival often begins long before first responders arrive.

Sudden cardiac arrest most commonly occurs at home, at work, or in community spaces. Immediate, high-quality CPR can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival.

Sean Larkins, Superintendent of Detroit EMS, reinforced the importance of community action. “Learning CPR is essential for every Detroiter,” Larkins said. “You have the power to save a life—and to positively impact your neighborhood by encouraging others around you to learn as well. I also want to thank the men and women honored today who acted without hesitation when seconds counted. Their courage and quick thinking made all the difference.”

The Detroit Fire Department offers FREE, CPR training for residents, community organizations, schools, faith-based groups, and businesses across the city.

Residents are encouraged to learn more and request training by visiting detroitmi.gov/fire.

Knowing CPR saves lives.
Learning CPR strengthens neighborhoods.
Sharing CPR knowledge makes Detroit safer.