Club recognized by the American Heart Association for lifesaving response and community leadership following a cardiac emergency
Atlanta, GA — The American Heart Association, devoted to changing the future to a world of healthier lives for all, has awarded the Heartsaver Hero Award to the Howard University Alumni Club of Atlanta (HUAC) and community member Amber Taylor for their brave actions during a cardiac emergency.
In June 2024, beloved community leader and Howard University graduate A. Binford Carter collapsed from sudden cardiac arrest while attending the MEAC Nation Cookout at Westside Park. Several people, including HUAC members, rushed to help and performed CPR for 30 minutes until emergency medical services arrived. Sadly, Carter passed away at the hospital.
Even though his life could not be saved, this heartbreaking moment led to a powerful response. The American Heart Association, the City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation, and HUAC donated three automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to Westside Park—placing one at each pavilion. These devices can help restart a heart and are important tools to have during emergencies.
To honor Mr. Carter’s memory, the AED donation was celebrated on what would have been his 50th birthday, September 18, 2024.
Because of this event, HUAC created a Health & Wellness Committee to focus on helping members and the community live healthier lives. This committee now works to provide CPR training, health education, and promote awareness of heart disease and stroke prevention.
“We may not have been able to save Binford, but we are saving lives in his name,” said Erin White, president of the Howard University Alumni Club of Atlanta. “This award means so much to us. It reminds us how powerful community can be when we come together to care for one another.”
Cardiac arrest can happen anywhere, and about 15% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in public places like parks. If CPR is given right away and an AED is used quickly, a person’s chance of surviving goes way up. That’s why it’s so important to have these tools nearby and to teach more people how to use them.
“The Heartsaver Hero Award honors people who take action when someone’s life is on the line,” said Angelica Geter, DrPh, MPH, founder and principal consultant of Impactful Collaboration and American Heart Association Southeast board member. “With support from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, which collaborated with the Association to recognize local lifesaving efforts, we’re proud to honor Amber Taylor and the Howard University Alumni Club of Atlanta for turning a tragedy into hope and creating real change in the community.”
As we celebrate the heroic actions of Amber Taylor and HUAC, we urge everyone to learn the lifesaving skill that is CPR. Together, we can turn a nation of bystanders into a nation of lifesavers. For more information on CPR, visit heart.org/nation.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
Last updated on July 23, 2025
