MISSION
Every second counts in a cardiac emergency. Champions of the Heart Foundation (COH) is on a mission to train communities, equip public spaces with AEDs, and ensure that no life is lost due to lack of preparedness.
Hands-Only CPR Training | Community AED Donations | Life-Saving Awareness
IMPACT
More than 1,500 people trained in hands-only CPR
More than $100,000 raised for AED placements, purchases and training
6,000 hours of no-cost training powered by Champions Like You
"I wouldn't be here today if it weren't for them. Now, I want to make sure more people know what to do in an emergency." – Mike Garland
Coach Mike Garland’s Story
Leading the Charge
Former MSU Assistant Head Basketball Coach Mike Garland knows firsthand the power of CPR. In 2022, he suffered cardiac arrest while driving. His life was saved thanks to two passersby who performed CPR until emergency personnel arrived.
COH was founded by Garland to ensure every community has the training and equipment needed to save lives.
COH Foundation
Empowering Champions. Saving Lives.
Nearly 300 attendees of the Michigan Association of Broadcasters conference got their hands on hearts during training in hands-only CPR by COH at Ford Field in Detroit last fall.
Pictured are: (center) COH Founder Michael Garland surrounded by COH board members and volunteers.
COH is dedicated to providing free CPR training, hands-only CPR manikins, and Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to communities in need free of charge. Our vision is a world where every bystander has the confidence to act in a cardiac emergency.
Cardiac arrest claims over 350,000 lives in the U.S. each year. Early CPR and AED use can DOUBLE the chances of survival. That’s why COH is committed to training and equipping people—so more lives can be saved.
Our Partners
Why CPR Matters
350,000 cardiac arrests happen outside hospitals each year
Only 42% of bystanders perform CPR
AEDs are used in just 11% of cases—we mustdo better
Events
June-July 2025
Lansing Economic Club
Join us for an inspiring fireside chat with Michael Garland, former assistant Michigan State University basketball coach and founder of Champions of the Heart. Michael will be joined by special guest, Hall of Fame MSU Men's Basketball Coach Tom Izzo.