American Heart Association - Wisconsin

06/17/2026

What an incredible night at Rock County Hard Hats with Heart! Thanks to our amazing sponsors, volunteers and guests at Revv Aviation, we made this our best year yet. We can't wait to see you in 2027!

If you couldn't make it and would still like to support the campaign, visit Heart.org/RockCountyHardHats.

06/17/2026

The application period for the Go Red for Women 2027 Class of Survivors closes Friday. Here's how you get considered:

1⃣ Record and post a one-minute video with your story.

2⃣ Fill out the online application form.

For official rules and the application ⬇️
http://spr.ly/6188BDzmbO

06/16/2026

We’re setting up for tonight’s Hard Hats with Heart event in Janesville! Can’t wait to see everyone and talk !!

06/15/2026

Several advocates recently met with Wisconsin State Representative Alex Joers to discuss the importance of cardiac emergency response in schools and the statewide Double Dollars program. Thank you, Rep. Joers, for your time and commitment to improving the health of our communities.

Pictured (L–R): Roger Chang and Ishika Pulimamidi (Cardea Inc.), Heather Bartlett MD, Rep. Joers, Sally Zirbel-Donisch and Ann Dodge.

06/15/2026

We're just days away from our 2026 Milwaukee Hard Hats with Heart at St. Kate - The Arts Hotel! Check out this story published in The Daily Reporter to preview the night and our featured speaker, Ken Bauer of Butters-Fetting Company!

Click the link to read all about it!

The American Heart Association s Hard Hats with Heart event in Milwaukee raises awareness of cardiovascular risks in the construction industry.

06/12/2026

The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Class of Survivors is a powerful sisterhood of women who use their stories to inspire, educate and create change.

Have you survived heart disease or stroke? Through June 19, visit http://spr.ly/6180B8sita to apply for the 2027 Class of Survivors and the opportunity to serve as a national ambassador. We’re looking for adult women of all ages and backgrounds who are ready to turn their heart or stroke journey into purpose.

06/09/2026

We’re just one week away from the 2026 Rock County Hard Hats with Heart event at Revv Aviation! Thank you to our incredible executive leadership team for helping us build a healthier future for Rock County.

▶️ Roger Fanning (Chair) - Fanning Excavating
▶️ Bryan Curcio - Pieper Electric, Inc.
▶️ Tammy Fanning - Lake Ridge Bank
▶️ Mike Fitzgerald - Schwartz & Shea Ins Agency
▶️ Mark Hartwig - FS Builders of Janesville
▶️ Patrick Lyons - Lycon Inc.
▶️ Bob Sarow - Wellnitz & Sarow Builders
▶️ Jacki Seversen - TRICOR Insurance
▶️ Heidi Van Kirk - SCWBA

Learn more about Hard Hats with Heart at Heart.org/RockCountyHardHats.

06/08/2026

American Heart Association Development Director Mark Charter joined Hayley Tenpas on WHBY to discuss the importance of being prepared for a cardiac emergency. Listen ⬇️

Sign up to keep listening, access your Library to pick up episodes right where you left off, and connect with your favorite creators. Experience the ultimate podcast listening on Spreaker!

06/08/2026

: After surviving cardiac arrest, American Heart Association volunteer Kayla Houle is turning her experience into action and advocating for stronger emergency plans in schools. Hear her story with WBAY’s Elyse Noe.

Watch: https://www.wbay.com/2026/06/03/kaukauna-teacher-who-survived-cardiac-arrest-advocates-school-emergency-plans/

06/07/2026

EMT instructor Karl Arps, clutched his chest, demonstrating what a heart attack might look like for his students. He told them he had pain in his left arm and was sweating.

But then his heart stopped – for real.

Fellow instructor Traci Blondeau immediately recognized the signs of cardiac arrest. A student called 911 while Traci started CPR. Another student grabbed an automated external defibrillator or AED.

After several minutes of CPR and two shocks from the AED, Karl had a heartbeat. Before paramedics even arrived, he was conscious and alert.

At the hospital Karl learned a heart attack triggered his cardiac arrest. He had severe blockages in three of the four main arteries to the heart. Triple bypass surgery successfully cleared the blockages.

Karl has been an emergency medical technician for nearly 30 years. He’s taught for 19 years, training hundreds of firefighters, police officers and nursing students. He also works part time as a security guard for the minor league baseball club in town.

Three months since that fateful day, Karl is easing back into his three jobs. “I like to stay active,” he said. “I’m happy to be here, and I’m ready to get back to work.”

He’s worked security at a few baseball games this season, and he helped administer a final exam for the EMT students.

Four of the students who were in the classroom when Karl’s heart stopped are becoming full-time paramedics. Others will return to firefighting better prepared. Another EMT Fundamentals class begins soon.

“And I’m going back,” Karl said. “There’s no doubt.”

Karl continues to urge everyone he meets to learn CPR. “Please, please, please take a course,” he said. “You never know when a heart event could happen. The experience you get in class versus being told how to do it — you just can't measure that.”

Visit http://spr.ly/6186B8scJn to find a CPR course.

You can read more of Karl’s story at http://spr.ly/6188B8scJk.