Former MSU coach expands community CPR training through partnership

PeopleNonprofit

Feb 19

Written By Staff

Mike Garland
Photo courtesy of Corewell Health

Champions of the Heart Foundation and Corewell Health are launching a statewide effort to train more Michiganders in lifesaving skills and emergency preparedness, expanding access to hands-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training and automated external defibrillators (AEDs). The partnership will provide free training opportunities across Michigan, equipping individuals with the confidence, knowledge, and tools to respond quickly during sudden cardiac arrest.

The first joint community training event will take place Sunday, April 12, 2026, at the Grand Valley State University Kelly Family Sports Center, with sessions from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. All training opportunities offered through this partnership are free and open to the public, with additional training dates and locations to be announced throughout the year.

Champions of the Heart was created by former Michigan State University Assistant Head Basketball Coach Mike Garland, whose life was saved in 2022 when bystanders acted quickly after his sudden cardiac arrest while driving. Since then, the organization has worked to place AEDs across the state and increase public access to high-quality training.

“It is my heartfelt ambition to establish Champions of the Heart as a leading organization that teaches bystander hands-only CPR and the appropriate use of an AED nationwide,” said Mike Garland, founder and president of Champions of the Heart Foundation. “My motivation stems from a personal experience with cardiac arrest: in 2022, two individuals saved my life by performing CPR. Because of that, I am dedicated to empowering as many people as possible to respond effectively in similar circumstances.”

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in Michigan, and survival often relies on how quickly a bystander steps in. According to the American Heart Association, when CPR starts immediately, survival can double or triple, and when an AED is used, survival rates can be even higher. By bringing lifesaving skills directly into schools, businesses, and sports organizations across the state, this partnership aims to build a more prepared and connected Michigan.

“In a cardiac emergency, fear can take over, and no one should have to face that moment without the right tools or training. That’s why it’s so important that Corewell Health and Champions of the Heart are creating more opportunities for people across our communities to learn, practice, and feel confident taking action,” said Carlos Cubia, Executive Vice President and Chief Community Health Impact and Belonging Officer. “When lifesaving skills are within everyone’s reach, we build a future where families, teams, and neighborhoods feel supported, prepared, and empowered.”

To learn more, visit https://thechampionsoftheheart.org/training.

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