OKLAHOMA CITY, April 8, 2024 — The Oklahoma state House of Representatives voted Monday to send Senate Bill 1921 to a joint conference committee of the Oklahoma House and Senate. The bill, sponsored by state Sen. Paul Rosino and state Rep. Bob Ed Culver, requires Cardiac Emergency Response Plans, or CERPs, in Oklahoma schools. The measure had already passed the state Senate.

To muster support for the bill, the American Heart Association, devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, invited all Oklahoma athletic teams, coaches and school officials to participate in a Rally Day at the Oklahoma Capitol Monday (April 8). Former University of Oklahoma player and NY Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard, whose father died of a heart attack while playing off-season sports when Sterling was just 6, spoke in the bill’s favor.

“Thank you to the lawmakers who want to make a difference and save lives, especially those of our next generation of Oklahomans,” Shepard said at the rally.

About 23,000 children under 18 experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital each year. About 40% of these events are sports related. CPR, if performed immediately, can double or triple a person’s chance of survival. And in schools with AEDs, approximately 70% of children survive cardiac arrest – 7 times the overall survival rate for children. 

A CERP is a written document that establishes specific steps to reduce death from cardiac arrest. It can be a stand-alone guideline or merged with a school’s existing medical emergency response plans.

“This is a common-sense piece of legislation,” said Alisa Northcutt, government relations director for the American Heart Association in Oklahoma. “The safety of students, school staff and visitors is enhanced when CERPs are in place and school teams are trained and empowered to administer lifesaving care until emergency medical services arrive.”

The House of Representatives struck the bill title, which will send the bill to a joint committee of the House and Senate. Representatives from each chamber could meet on SB 1921 as early as this week.

The Rally was conducted at the state Capitol in conjunction with You’re the Cure at the Capitol – a day when the American Heart Association connects volunteers with their state legislators to advocate for health policies that create better health outcomes for Oklahomans.

The Rally Day program also featured Oklahoma area native Denny Kellington, associate head athletic trainer for the NFL’s Buffalo Bills. Kellington’s quick actions with CPR helped revive Bills’ safety Damar Hamlin after Hamlin went into sudden cardiac arrest during a game in 2022.

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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.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. 

For Media Inquiries 

Cyd King: M 479.263.8473; cyd.king@heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org