HEARTS Act signed into law with Damar Hamlin's support

In the United States on December 26, 2024, President Joe Biden signed into law the Cardiomyopathy Health Education, Awareness, Research and Training in Schools Act, commonly known as the HEARTS Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to ensure that schools across the country are equipped to respond to cardiac emergencies. The bill garnered widespread support from organizations such as the American Heart Association, which celebrated its 100th anniversary this year. This new law promises critical resources for schools, including CPR training, access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs), and policies aimed at developing effective cardiac emergency response plans. The HEARTS Act emerged primarily in response to the increasing incidence of cardiac arrests among children and young adults. Each year, approximately 23,000 children experience cardiac arrest across the nation. Advocacy efforts from individuals like Damar Hamlin, a safety for the Buffalo Bills who survived a cardiac arrest on the field, played a fundamental role in highlighting the necessity of this legislation. Hamlin has actively worked alongside lawmakers, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, to bolster awareness and education regarding cardiac health in school environments. One of the notable components of the HEARTS Act is the establishment of a grant program managed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This program will assist schools in sourcing CPR and AED training as well as acquiring the necessary equipment to respond in emergencies. The act specifically includes elements of the Access to AEDs Act to further ensure that schools are adequately prepared to provide lifesaving measures during critical moments. Advocacy for this legislation included collaborative efforts by the NFL's Smart Heart Sports Coalition, which promotes heart health initiatives in sports and schools. The American Heart Association has expressed its gratitude for the persistent support from Congress, recognizing key figures in the passage of the bill. The organization has also emphasized the importance of grassroots campaigns, sharing personal stories from families and survivors to elevate the conversation around cardiac health and safety in schools. By addressing these health emergencies head-on, the HEARTS Act aims to significantly improve survival rates from cardiac events, thereby creating safer environments for students and school personnel nationwide.