35 Each region is led by a CARES Regional Coordinator who supports State Coordinators, oversees regional data collection, and promotes collaboration across state lines. In 2026, CARES launched regional quarterly calls for EMS and hospital users, as well as state leadership. These forums provide CARES updates, highlight best practices, and create space to discuss operational challenges and successful initiatives. They also offer opportunities for CARES PRIME partners to share quality improvement resources directly with users and state leaders. By convening stakeholders at the regional level, CARES is building stronger peer networks and helping participants identify opportunities within their own communities to improve outcomes across the chain of survival. Modernization is enhancing how CARES translates data into meaningful impact. By identifying gaps in OHCA outcomes and enabling more targeted, data-driven interventions, communities can drive coordinated, multi-sector improvement. The launch of Alabama’s Sudden Cardiac Arrest Task Force offers a clear example of how modernized data can guide action and improve outcomes. Turning Measurement into Action: Alabama’s Sudden Cardiac Arrest Task Force The Alabama Office of Emergency Medical Services has been invited by the American Heart Association to join their newly formed Sudden Cardiac Arrest Task Force in Alabama. The task force was developed to strengthen community readiness and improve survival from sudden cardiac arrest across the greater Birmingham metropolitan area. The goal of the task force is to expand and improve response and survival rates across Alabama, while expanding CARES is a main priority. “We’re honored to join the American Heart Association’s Sudden Cardiac Arrest Task Force and collaborate with partners across Alabama who share a commitment to improving survival from sudden cardiac arrest,” said Jamie Gray, State EMS Director. “By strengthening community readiness, expanding participation in CARES, and improving coordination between emergency responders, healthcare providers, and the public, we can make meaningful progress in saving lives across our state.” According to Kim Baldwin, Vice President of Community Impact with the American Heart Association, “The data shows Birmingham has some of the greatest opportunity for improvement in the nation when it comes to cardiac arrest survival. While that highlights a serious public health challenge, it also represents an incredible opportunity. The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Task Force is mobilizing healthcare, public safety, and community leaders around a shared belief that every person has the power to save a life. Together, we’re strengthening every link in the chain of survival and building a model that can improve outcomes not just in Birmingham, but across Alabama.” Task force members were selected for their expertise, experience and shared commitment to increasing the community’s cardiac arrest resources and improving outcomes. Membership includes community stakeholders and CPR advocates as well as leaders of the public and private sectors. Inside Alabama’s SCA Task Force Figure 1. OHCA incidence per 1,000 people in the metro Birmingham, AL area, CARES 2018-2024.
View this content as a flipbook by clicking here.