Community encouraged to join lifesaving movement focused on CPR readiness
The American Heart Association, a global force for longer, healthier lives, has announced that the 2026 Lincoln Heart Walk will take place on Saturday, May 9 at Antelope Park. The event will open at 7:30 a.m., with the walk beginning at 9 a.m.
With cardiac arrest remaining one of the nation’s most urgent health crises, the Heart Walk continues to serve as the Association’s largest community-focused event, rallying families, companies, and supporters to take action toward creating a community of lifesavers. Each year, more than 350,000 out‑of‑hospital cardiac arrests occur in the United States, and 9 in 10 people who experience cardiac arrest outside the hospital do not survive, often because they do not receive CPR quickly enough.
The Heart Walk aims to reverse that trend by expanding access to CPR education, building confidence among community members, and raising critical funds for lifesaving research and public health initiatives. Through the Association’s Nation of Lifesavers™ movement, the goal is to ensure that more people are prepared to perform CPR and become a vital link in the chain of survival.
“CPR can double or triple a person’s chance of surviving cardiac arrest, and we want to empower every household in Lincoln to feel prepared to act,” said Ella Salem, Lincoln Heart Walk Director for the American Heart Association Nebraska. “The Lincoln Heart Walk brings our community together to celebrate survivors, honor loved ones, and inspire action that will save lives. We’re excited to welcome companies, families, and walkers from across the region to join us this May.”
The 2026 Lincoln Heart Walk is open to all community members, with opportunities for local companies to form teams, encourage employee wellness, and champion CPR readiness across the region.
Event Details:
- Date: Saturday, May 9
- Location: Antelope Park, 3200 Veterans Memorial Drive, Lincoln, NE 68502
- Event Opens: 7:30 a.m.
- Walk Begins: 9 a.m.
Companies and individuals interested in participating can contact Ella Salem, Development Director at Ella.Salem@heart.org.
Learn more or register at Heart.org/Nebraska.
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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, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173
Shannon Hilaire; Shannon.M.Hilaire@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
