Champions of the Heart is a Michigan based organization, dedicated to providing CPR training, hands-only CPR manikins, and Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to communities in need - free of charge.
about Champions of the heart
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.
our vision
A world where every bystander has the confidence to act in a cardiac emergency.
In 2025, the United States saw over 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. Tragically, 90% of these were fatal. Yet, studies show that when immediate CPR and AED use are applied, survival chances can triple.
Each year, more than 23,000 children experience cardiac arrest, many linked to sports and some tied to congenital heart defects. What’s even more sobering is that about 70% of out-of-hospital arrests happen at home, often in front of family or friends who may feel unprepared to act.
There’s progress—bystander confidence in performing CPR increased to 39%—but we know that’s not enough. With the national goal to double cardiac arrest survival by 2030, every second and every action matters.
That’s why Champions of the Heart (COH) exists. Our commitment is simple but powerful: to train and equip people with the skills and confidence to respond in those critical moments. Because early CPR and AED use can double the chances of survival, and with more prepared hearts and hands, more lives can be saved.
every
confidence to act
Mike Garland
Founder/Cardiac Arrest Survivor
Mike Garland founded Champions of the Heart after surviving a near-fatal cardiac arrest in August 2022. His experience ignited a passion to raise awareness about cardiac emergencies and provide free hands-only CPR and AED training. “Our goal is simple—get more hands on hearts by teaching as many people as possible the life-saving skill of bystander CPR"
Before launching his nonprofit, Garland spent decades shaping basketball talent. As a longtime Michigan State basketball staff member, he helped lead the Spartans to 19 NCAA Tournaments, 10 Big Ten Championships, seven Final Fours, and a National Championship. He played a key role in developing NBA-bound players and was instrumental in every Big Ten title won under Tom Izzo. “Mike was here through our championship and Final Four runs and helped build this program from the ground up,” Izzo said.
Meet The Founder
meet the hearts behind the mission:
Credit: Bronwyn Moisan, WILX-TV
The Board Members of Champions of the Heart are a group of committed individuals, each with an unwavering dedication to our mission. Their diverse backgrounds and insights enrich our vision and help shape impactful initiatives.
Meet The Board of Directors
Ann Emmerich
Dr. James Pribble
Joseph J. Fifer
Roger Jansen
Mike Garland
Cynthia Garland
Pastor Chris White
Travis Gamble
Priscilla Bordayo
Louise Wibbelman
David Roeder
Derrick Boles
