Great Lakes Wire

For over ten years, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), in collaboration with the Michigan Department of Education (MDE), American Heart Association, Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA), and Michigan Alliance for Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Death of the Young (MAP-SCDY), has recognized schools for their preparedness in handling cardiac emergencies. This recognition is part of the MI HEARTSafe designation program.

Since its inception in 2013, a total of 994 schools have been honored with this designation. The 2023-2024 school year marks a record achievement with 312 schools being recognized, including 158 first-time recipients. Currently, there are 761 schools actively holding the MI HEARTSafe status.

Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director, emphasized the importance of preparedness by stating: “Being prepared to respond to a cardiac emergency can help decrease incidences of sudden cardiac death among Michigan youth.” She highlighted that new laws aim to improve how schools manage such emergencies.

The recent legislative developments include House Bills 5527 and 5528, which were enacted to set comprehensive safety requirements for educational institutions regarding cardiac emergency responses.

To qualify as a MI HEARTSafe School, institutions must fulfill several criteria. These include having a written cardiac emergency response plan and team ready during school hours and extracurricular activities; ensuring at least 10% of staff and half of all coaches possess current CPR/AED certification; maintaining accessible AEDs; conducting annual drills; and screening student athletes prior to sports participation.

State Superintendent Dr. Michael F. Rice reiterated support for these initiatives: “Improving the health, safety, and wellness of all learners is one of the goals in Michigan’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan,” he said. He added that more children are now safer due to increased preparedness among schools.

Looking forward, MAP-SCDY plans to host a virtual workshop in January 2025 aimed at educating schools on achieving MI HEARTSafe designation. This session will offer continuing education credits for nurses and school staff.

For further details about participating schools or information on the program itself, interested parties can visit Migrc.org/miheartsafe or contact via email at mdhhs-mi-heartsafe@michigan.gov.