Local nonprofit launches during Heart Month to close CPR gap in Gainesville

Press release from HeartFlo

GAINESVILLE, Fla. –  HeartFlo, a newly formed 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by a local Gainesville couple, officially launched during American Heart Month with a mission to improve cardiac arrest outcomes by equipping more bystanders with lifesaving skills. The organization marked its official launch on Valentine’s Day and recently held its first CPR training course.

Beginning in East Gainesville, HeartFlo is working to improve cardiac arrest outcomes by empowering bystanders to act through free CPR certification classes, expanded access to lifesaving resources like AEDs, and community-driven awareness efforts. The nonprofit plans to hold routine classes going forward, with a focus on closing gaps in survival where cost and access are barriers and ensuring more Floridians are prepared to respond when every second counts.

“We’ve lived in Gainesville for about eight years, and this city has given us so much,” said Brandon Climenhage, AHA instructor and President of HeartFlo. “When we learned how dramatically bystander CPR rates and AED access differs within our own town, we knew we wanted to be part of the solution. Teaching CPR is practical, but it’s also deeply personal. You’re giving someone the ability to step in during another’s absolute worst day, and that kind of empowerment can both change and save lives.”

Every minute without CPR, survival from cardiac arrest drops by 7 to 10 percent. Across Gainesville, bystander CPR rates vary dramatically, with some communities experiencing rates nearly half the city average. Access to automated external defibrillators, or AEDs, is even more limited in certain areas.

Recent statewide data underscores the opportunity to improve outcomes in Florida. In a recent survey by Sachs Media, just 16 percent of Floridians report having a current CPR certification, and only 38 percent say they know where the nearest AED is located. At the same time, 76 percent of Florida voters say they would be likely to attend a CPR class if one were offered in their community.

Those interested in signing up for a class, supporting the effort, or learning more can visit HeartFlo.org.