HRS Urges Congress to Support the HEARTS Act and Access to AEDs Act
On June 12, 2024, as a member of the Smart Heart Sports Coalition, HRS sent a letter to the Senate HELP committee in support of the Access to AEDs Act (S. 1024), and a letter to the House in support of the HEARTS Act (H.R. 6829).
The bills would support a federal grant program that would increase the availability of AEDs and related equipment on elementary and secondary school campuses. The program also would support CPR education and training among students, school personnel, coaches, and volunteers. Moreover, it would support the development of Cardiac Emergency Response Plans, which along with AEDs and CPR, are integral to a coordinated, immediate, and effective response in the crucial minutes between the time when a victim collapses and when emergency medical services arrive.
Launched in March of 2023, the Smart Heart Sports Coalition initiated a nationwide advocacy campaign to raise awareness and drive adoption of policies proven to prevent fatalities from sudden cardiac arrest among young people.