The bipartisan bill now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law
The legislation is a victory for schools and the cardiac safety of students across the country
Washington, D.C. – December 10, 2024 – The NFL's Smart Heart Sports Coalition today applauds the U.S. Senate for unanimously passing the Cardiomyopathy, Health Education, Awareness, Research and Training in Schools (HEARTS) Act. The lifesaving, commonsense legislation now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law, and will make AEDs, CPR training and emergency action plans more prevalent and accessible in schools across the country.
The HEARTS Act has been the top legislative priority for the Smart Heart Sports Coalition during the current Congressional session. The bipartisan measure, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives in September, includes key provisions that support and complement the coalition's state-level policy goals and efforts. Specifically, the HEARTS Act provides federal resources that will support and increase access to AEDs, CPR education and training, and the development of Cardiac Emergency Response Plans (CERPs) in elementary and secondary schools across the country. The coalition has been advocating for states to adopt similar measures for high school athletic venues since 2023, when the coalition was launched.
"On behalf of the NFL and more than 40 members of the Smart Heart Sports Coalition, I applaud the leadership of the Senate, and all our teammates and allies who helped move this important measure forward over the last two years," Jeff Miller, the NFL Executive Vice President of Communications, Public Affairs, and Policy said. "Getting this bill over the goal line and into law has been a team effort and scores a big win for our schools and the health and safety of young people across the country."
"In January of 2023, I experienced cardiac arrest and was blessed to be surrounded by a team of medical professionals that saved my life," said Damar Hamlin, Buffalo Bills safety, member of the NFL Smart Heart Sports Coalition and National Ambassador for the American Heart Association's Nation of Lifesavers movement. "Every year, as many as 23,000 kids experience cardiac arrest in our country, and I believe that everyone deserves the same access to lifesaving care that I had. From schools to ball fields, this bill will help to protect kids and I'm grateful to all the lawmakers and partners who rallied behind it. This bill will create lasting change, and I'm proud and humbled to have played a part in supporting it."
Cardiac arrest is a life-threatening emergency that can strike any time and any place. As many as 23,000 children experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital each year, and 40% happen when kids are participating in athletics. Survival from cardiac arrest increases significantly when schools have in place and rehearse a cardiac emergency response plan, perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and, if necessary, administer an automated external defibrillator (AED) – all critical components of a coordinated, effective response to a cardiac emergency.
Coalition members made these statements about Congress taking action to pass the HEARTS Act:
"We are so pleased the U.S. Senate has unanimously passed the bipartisan HEARTS Act," said Nancy Brown, Chief Executive Officer of the American Heart Association. "This bill has been nearly two years in the making, and we are thankful to Majority Leader Schumer, Senator Booker and the many champions in Congress for making this lifesaving legislation a reality for schools across the country. The HEARTS Act will save lives from cardiac arrest by ensuring schools nationwide have cardiac emergency response plans in place, students and staff are trained in CPR and campuses are equipped with AEDs. These proven measures could be the difference between life and death for the up to 23,000 children who experience a cardiac arrest outside of a hospital each year. Every second counts when someone experiences a cardiac arrest, and now schools won't need to wait any longer to have the resources they need to save lives. We look forward to seeing the President sign this lifesaving legislation."
"This bill is a step towards making schools and communities across the country safer by ensuring access to AEDs, providing CPR training and creating emergency response plans," said Jack McMaster, President of American Red Cross Training Services. "We are excited to be a part of the NFL Smart Heart Sports Coalition which has advocated for this lifesaving legislation. We look forward to working with schools nationwide as they train for the moments that matter."
"We commend the Senate for approving the HEARTS Act by unanimous consent. The tragic loss and memory of Rafe Maccarone has inspired our nonprofit's mission to help protect school children from sudden cardiac death," shared Shawn Sima, Impact Director of Who We Play For. "With this bill, more school campuses across the country will have the resources, and know-how to better respond to Sudden Cardiac Arrests (SCAs), if and when they occur. As an organization of families devasted by SCA, we're grateful to be part of advancing legislation that will save others."
About the Smart Heart Sports Coalition
Founded in March 2023 in response to the lifesaving emergency response provided to Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin, the Smart Heart Sports Coalition seeks to drive the adoption in all 50 states of three evidence-based policies proven to prevent fatalities from Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) among high school students. These are:
- Clearly marked AEDs at or within minutes of each high school athletic venue where games, practices, or other events are held.
- An athletic Emergency Action Plan (EAP) that is specific to each athletic venue, and posted, widely distributed, regularly rehearsed, and updated annually, if needed.
- Education in CPR, including AED use, for coaches and other key personnel.
The coalition comprises more than 40 organizations, including major sports leagues and organizations, as well as leading patient and health advocacy groups across the country. Learn more at www.smartheartsports.com.
