TOPEKA, Kan. April 9, 2024 — On Friday, April 6, the Kansas Senate voted 26-2 to pass CCR SB 19, which requires Cardiac Emergency Response Plans (CERPs) for Kansas public schools. During the 2024 Kansas legislative session, the American Heart Association, devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, championed this legislation.

“We are thankful to bi-partisan House and Senate leadership, Representative Adam Thomas and Senator Kellie Warren for prioritizing this life saving legislation,” said Kari Rinker, State Government Relations Director for the American Heart Association. “Kansas schools will now be prepared to act intentionally and effectively when cardiac emergencies occur.”

The American Heart Association, founding member of the Smart Heart Sports Coalition established by the NFL in 2023, and their You’re the Cure advocates worked alongside impacted families, Children’s Mercy Kansas City, and Project ADAM to push for this policy that will increase survival rates from cardiac arrests that happen outside of a hospital.

More than 356,000 people experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital in the United States each year. Currently, 10% of those people will survive, most likely because there were people nearby prepared to take action. Having a CERP in place can double or triple a person’s chance of survival.

It is estimated that about 23,000 children under the age of 18 experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital annually in this country. Of those children, about 40% are sports-related. Whether in the classroom or on the playing field, having a plan in place to enable faculty, staff, and students to respond to a cardiac emergency quickly and correctly can save lives.  In schools with AEDs, approximately 70% of children survive cardiac arrest – 7 times the overall survival rate for children.

“You can't change bad things that happen, but we can also try to make something good come from something like this," said Bill Delfs, father who lost his 15-year-old son, Rocky after he collapsed on the track at his school in Atchison. After Rocky died, his twin brother, Alias was diagnosed with the same heart condition.

“This is big,” said Delfs. “I don’t think there are enough words to explain how I feel. Knowing there will now be a plan in place to protect Alias and other students, it makes me feel beyond words.”

Alias has to carry an AED around with him at school and wherever he goes. Delfs said the passing of this bill gives him hope.

“Having this bill passed means lives can be saved,” said Delfs. “Rocky died and his story is bringing more attention to heart disease. I am proud to share his story, bring light to this issue, and be part of something that is going to make a difference.”

The bill is now headed to Governor Laura Kelly’s desk for consideration. If you would like to send a message to Governor Kelly about the bill, click here.

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.orgFacebookX or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.   

For Media Inquiries:

Krystle Sherrell Steed,  Krystle.Sherrell@heart.org 

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

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