Goldman Introduces New Legislation to Install AEDs in NYCHA Housing, Other Public Housing Projects

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representative Dan Goldman (NY-10) introduced new legislation to help install Automated External Defibrillators, lifesaving devices that help immediately treat cardiac arrests by restoring a heartbeat, in federally-assisted multifamily residential buildings, including NYCHA. The Residential AED and CPR Preparedness Act of 2026would authorize a $25 million annual grant program for five years to eligible entities to support access to AEDs and CPR. Funding could be used to support AED and CPR training for residents and building staff; purchase and maintain AEDs for use in multifamily buildings; and establish cardiac emergency response plans. This bill could support the placement of an estimated 75,000 AEDs in multifamily buildings.
 

“Easily accessible AEDs save lives,” said Rep. Goldman. “Just like we have made it a priority to ensure that public housing is equipped with fire extinguishers, we now have to ensure that every NYCHA development provides AEDs on site. Every second counts in a cardiac emergency, and this legislation will help ensure that those who need immediate intervention can get it.”
 

An estimated 350,000 people in the United States experience sudden cardiac arrest outside of the hospital each year, but only 40% of people who experience a cardiac arrest get the immediate help they need before emergency responders arrive. Despite the vast majority of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occurring in homes and residential buildings, access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and individuals with CPR training is lacking, especially among larger residential complexes and high-rise apartment buildings where it can take longer for emergency services to arrive.

Just as fire extinguishers are widely available in almost all apartment buildings with fire protocols in place, having community members trained in CPR, making AEDs available in multifamily housing, and encouraging the development of emergency response plans will make residents better prepared to respond to sudden cardiac arrest and save lives.
 

"Sudden cardiac arrest most often happens at home, where quick intervention can mean the difference between life and death. The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation supports the Residential AED and CPR Preparedness Act, which takes a critical step toward ensuring lifesaving equipment and training are accessible where people live—especially in multifamily housing. By investing in AEDs, CPR education, and emergency response planning, this legislation will help empower residents and staff to respond in the event of sudden cardiac arrest and help save lives,” said Gina Peattie, Executive Director of the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation.
 

"The American College of Cardiology proudly endorses the Residential AED and CPR Preparedness Act of 2026. As most cardiac arrests occur at home, this legislation brings life-saving technology and skills directly to American homes when they are needed most. This legislation closes a critical gap in our nation's emergency response system and empowers families and caregivers to act immediately—often before emergency responders arrive—saving countless lives. We commend Representative Goldman for his leadership and commitment to advancing heart health, safety and preparedness for all Americans,” said Roxana Mehran, MD, FACC, American College of Cardiology (ACC) President.

Representatives Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Tim Kennedy (NY-26), and Paul Tonko (NY-21) cosponsor this legislation. 

The legislation is endorsed by the American Heart Association, Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation, American College of Cardiology, and the Greater New York Hospital Association.

Full text of the legislation is available here. 

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