Molloy University has been named an inaugural HEARTsafe Campus through the newly launched St. Francis Heart Center HEARTsafe accreditation program by Catholic Health. This recognition highlights Molloy’s leadership in promoting community health, safety, and emergency preparedness. Through expanded CPR training and increased access to lifesaving resources, the University is equipping its community with the skills needed to respond in critical moments.
Developed in collaboration with community partners, including Molloy, the HEARTsafe program promotes awareness of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), expands access to Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), and establishes evidence-based best practices to improve outcomes in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) situations. Through this multi-faceted approach, the initiative aims to empower everyday individuals with the confidence and skills to act in critical moments.
“Public health has always been at the core of Catholic Health’s mission,” said Patrick O’Shaughnessy, president and CEO of Catholic Health. “St. Francis Heart Center’s renowned cardiovascular care has saved countless lives across Long Island, and we’re proud to launch our HEARTsafe accreditation program to further promote heart health across our region, with our partners at Rockville Centre and Molloy University setting an incredible example. Getting out into the community and empowering people to take charge of their health is how we prepare for emergencies, stay ahead of illness and bend the disease curve.”
At Molloy, the HEARTsafe designation reflects more than preparedness, it speaks to the University’s mission-driven culture rooted in compassion and service. Students, faculty, and staff are actively engaging in CPR training and emergency response education, ensuring that the campus community is ready to respond when it matters most.
“At Molloy University, our mission is rooted in service, compassion and the well-being of the communities we call home,” said James Lentini, PhD, president of Molloy University. “Being recognized as a St. Francis Heart Center HEARTsafe Campus reflects our deep commitment to public health, education and preparedness. Through our partnership with Catholic Health, we are empowering our students, faculty, staff and neighbors with lifesaving skills that can make a critical difference in moments of emergency and ultimately help save lives across Long Island.”
That mission is reflected in the work of Molloy’s HEARTsafe program leaders.
“This designation is a powerful reflection of the unwavering dedication of the HEARTsafe Team at Molloy to advancing cardiac safety both on campus and far beyond it,” said Mary McCormack, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, & Co-Director of HEARTsafe at Molloy University. “Their efforts extend into the broader community, impacting not only Rockville Centre but also the many communities where the more than 1,000 individuals trained in lifesaving skills live, work, and travel. This ripple effect strengthens preparedness and response in countless settings.”
Further strengthening this commitment, Molloy will soon introduce a CPR training kiosk on campus in Public Square. The kiosk, obtained from the American Heart Association and made possible through a donation from Webster Bank, will be available for students and campus visitors to use through the middle of the Fall 2026 semester. A ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the installation of the kiosk will take place on June 1, with representatives from both organizations joining the Molloy community.
“The CPR training kiosk serves as an engaging and approachable way to empower students, faculty, staff, and visitors to learn hands-only CPR,” said Carole Zarcone, DNP, ANP-C, Co-Director of HEARTsafe at Molloy. “Its placement in Public Square maximizes visibility and accessibility, making it a natural touchpoint for education and awareness. With the high volume of foot traffic from both the Molloy community and guests attending events at the Madison Theatre at Molloy University, the kiosk stands as a constant invitation to learn a skill that can save lives.”
The HEARTsafe accreditation is awarded to organizations that demonstrate a comprehensive commitment to improving cardiac emergency response through CPR training and increased AED accessibility. Designations are granted at gold, silver, or bronze levels based on measurable engagement and implementation. Accredited organizations participate in a two-year program guided by a HEARTsafe steering committee, ensuring sustained impact and continuous improvement.
Molloy’s recognition as a HEARTsafe Campus reflects its proactive approach to health education, one that extends beyond the classroom and into the community. By fostering a culture of preparedness and care, the University continues to live out its mission: to serve others and promote the dignity and well-being of all.
As cardiac emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere, initiatives like HEARTsafe ensure that more people are ready to respond, and more lives can be saved.
