Erie County aims to enhance our community’s ability to respond swiftly to sudden cardiac emergencies.
In 2024, Erie County government joined forces with a dozen other organizations to qualify as a HEARTSafe community through the Citizen CPR Foundation program. This national recognition highlights efforts to improve heart health and emergency response by promoting CPR training, increasing access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs), and fostering public awareness.
Request an AED: Organizations can request an Automated External Defibrillator. All requests will be reviewed based on need, eligibility, and availability.
In May 2025, Erie County announced that it had earned the HEARTSafe designation, meeting 13 essential benchmarks, including a year-long effort to educate more than 15% of county residents – about 147,000 people - in hands-only CPR. Other criteria were related to increasing access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs), strengthening 911 dispatcher protocols, and building a system of rapid response supported by community partners, schools, local organizations and emergency medical services (EMS). The HEARTSafe designation reflects a commitment to saving lives through effective preparation, making Erie County a safer place for residents and visitors alike. This initiative aligns with the mission of improving overall cardiovascular health and ensuring rapid, effective action in times of need.
AUDIO: The NYSAC County Conversations podcast (1/16/2026) published its interview with Community Coalition Coordinator Lindsay Wright and Deputy County Executive Lisa Chimera as they discussed Erie County’s HEARTSafe initiative. They highlighted how Erie County expanded hands-only CPR training and AED access, collaborated with community organizations, and improved systems, all with a goal of better outcomes and survival in cases of sudden cardiac arrest.
The Buffalo and Erie County Public Library announced that patrons can check out AEDs from the Downtown Central Library location, starting July 2025.
CPR Training
American Heart Association with the Buffalo Bills (includes community training schedule; trainings available on request)
American Red Cross (online and in-person; class fees vary)
Erie County (all classes are free; no certification card offered)
UBMD Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine
In 2025, Erie County exceeded its goal to educate 15% of residents in hands-only CPR
Watch this video and share your ZIP code through the form to be part of this local movement.
Get Hands-only CPR Training
Contact the Erie County Department of Health's Office of Public Health Emergency Preparedness at phep@erie.gov to learn more about securing Hands-Only CPR training at your community events.
Key HEARTSafe Partners
Buffalo & Erie County Public Library
- Department of Health - Community Wellness, Emergency Medical Services, Health Equity, Public Health Emergency Preparedness
- Live Well Erie
- Medical Reserve Corps
UBMD Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine
Learn more about this initiative
Become a HEARTSafe Workplace
The HEARTSafe Workplace designation helps local businesses create safer environments for employees, customers, and visitors. Sudden cardiac arrest can happen anywhere, and quick action saves lives. This designation involves:
- CPR and AED training for staff
- Strategic placement of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) for public access
- A Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP)
Apply online to be a HEARTSafe Workplace. To learn more or about the criteria and start the process, please contact us at (716) 858-7277 or wellness@erie.gov.