Free Hands-Only CPR Training; For Executive Councilor John Stephen, It's Personal

By News Release, InDepth NH

CONCORD, NH — Executive Councilor John Stephen announced the NH CPR Challenge, a bipartisan initiative of the New Hampshire Executive Council to provide free Hands-Only CPR training to residents in all five Executive Council districts during EMS Week, May 17–23, 2026.

The initiative is deeply personal for Stephen. In November, he suffered a cardiac emergency on the roadside. His life was saved by Abby and Mark, who immediately performed CPR until paramedics arrived.

“I am alive today because two people knew CPR,” said Stephen. “When my heart stopped on the side of the road last November, Abby and Mark didn’t hesitate — they started chest compressions and kept me alive until help arrived. That experience changed my life, and it’s why I brought this challenge to the full Council. Every Granite Stater should know these two simple steps: call 911, and push hard and fast in the center of the chest. It takes 15 minutes to learn, and it can be the difference between life and death.”

The NH CPR Challenge will offer free, 15-minute Hands-Only CPR awareness sessions at fire stations, community centers, businesses, and other host locations across the state. No prior experience is needed. Participants will receive a certificate of participation. To find a training or sign up to host one, visit cprchallengenh.com.

All five Executive Councilors have endorsed the initiative:

“Our first responders can’t be everywhere at once — but a neighbor trained in CPR can be the bridge that saves a life.” said Councilor Joseph Kenney (District 1).

“This is exactly the kind of initiative that brings people together regardless of party — protecting our families and neighbors.” said Councilor Karen Liot Hill (District 2).

“Every minute without CPR reduces the chance of survival — the more Granite Staters who are prepared, the more lives we save.” said Councilor Janet Stevens (District 3).

“From Nashua to Milford to Swanzey, I want every community in southern New Hampshire to have access to this free, lifesaving training.” said Councilor Dave Wheeler (District 5).

Cardiac arrest strikes more than 350,000 Americans each year. Bystander CPR can double or triple a victim’s chance of survival or more, yet fewer than half of cardiac arrest victims receive bystander CPR before emergency medical services arrive.

Organizations interested in hosting a free training session during EMS Week can sign up at cprchallengenh.com/host. Residents can find a training near them and RSVP at cprchallengenh.com.

This article first appeared on InDepthNH.org and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.