North Carolina signed into law lifesaving cardiac emergency plans for North Carolina schools

RALEIGH, N.C., July 10, 2026 — The Smart Heart Act, a lifesaving school safety measure is now law in North Carolina. Following more than a year of advocacy efforts by the American Heart Association, survivors, families, community leaders and more, the language of the Smart Heart Act has been included in the state budget. The Act builds support for stronger cardiac emergency preparedness in schools across North Carolina.

Governor Josh Stein signed the budget into law, advancing a critical step toward protecting students, staff and school communities by ensuring schools are better prepared for cardiac emergencies.

The new law requires every North Carolina public school to establish a cardiac emergency response plan and provides $4 million to help ensure automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are accessible on school campuses. The measure creates new statewide standards designed to help schools respond quickly and effectively when a cardiac emergency occurs.

According to the American Heart Association, sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anywhere, and at any time. More than 356,000 people experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital in the United States each year. In the 2023-2024 school year alone, 13 North Carolinians experienced cardiac arrest on public school campuses, and one child did not make it home.[1] Immediate CPR can double or triple a person's chance of survival, but survival often depends on whether bystanders are prepared to act and whether an AED is readily available.

"We're so grateful to the lawmakers who championed this bill and treated it like the priority it is," said Emma Kate Burns, American Heart Association - North Carolina government relations director. "They heard from their constituents, and they acted. This is the kind of leadership that gives North Carolina families peace of mind, knowing their child’s school is prepared to act in a cardiac emergency.”

The need for preparedness is especially important in schools. Approximately 23,000 children younger than 18 experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital each year. Whether an emergency occurs in a classroom, cafeteria, gymnasium or on an athletic field, having a coordinated response plan and access to lifesaving equipment can make the difference between life and death. In schools equipped with AEDs, approximately 70% of children survive cardiac arrest, seven times the overall survival rate for children, according to the Heart Association.

Earlier this year, Sarah Council, director of student services for the Roanoke Rapids Graded School District, emphasized the importance of ensuring schools are prepared before tragedy strikes.

"No district should have to lose a child and wish they had been more prepared," Council said. "This legislation is necessary right now. We can't wait any longer. We owe it to our children, because every single one of them deserves the best chance possible to come home."

The policy is effective this 2026-2027 school year, establishing new statewide standards for cardiac emergency preparedness in North Carolina's public schools and helping ensure schools have the plans, resources and equipment needed to save lives when seconds matter most.

Key provisions include:

• Requiring every North Carolina public school to establish and maintain a cardiac emergency response plan.
• Providing $4 million to help ensure AEDs are accessible on school campuses.
• Supporting school personnel in preparing for and responding to cardiac emergencies.
• Strengthening emergency readiness and response coordination to improve survival outcomes during cardiac emergencies.

North Carolina residents can learn more about the Smart Heart Act and the American Heart Association’s ongoing heart health advocacy efforts at heartpowered.org.

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than 100 years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public's health and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us at heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

For Media Inquiries:

Dawn Hall, dawn.hall@heart.org

For Public Inquiries:

1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

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