DALLAS, May 22, 2024 – Seventeen survivors and advocates from cities across Texas were in Washington, D.C., this week to ask Congress to support legislation that would improve the chain of survival in elementary and secondary schools. The advocates, including cardiac arrest survivors, families who have lost a loved one and health care providers, are part of the American Heart Association’s national grassroots network, You’re the Cure.
During their meetings on Capitol Hill, Texan advocates will share their personal stories and urge elected officials to swiftly pass the Cardiomyopathy Health Education, Awareness, Research and Training in the Schools Act or HEARTS Act (H.R. 6829) and the Access to AEDs Act (S. 1024), the former of which was approved unanimously by the House Energy and Commerce Committee in March.
The group will emphasize the need for comprehensive legislation, such as the HEARTS Act and Access to AEDs Act, to support CPR and AED training in K-12 schools, enable the purchase of AEDs for use in schools, foster new and existing community partnerships to promote the importance of defibrillation in schools and create cardiac emergency response plans, which can help reduce death from cardiac arrest in school settings.
Hearts on the Hill representing Texas-
- Almeda Giles, Houston
- Deya Williams and Pamela Williams, Carrollton
- Audrey Tabor and Amanda Tabor, Dallas
- Jaelene Dismuke, Grand Prairie
- Chloe Burke, Houston
- Exavian Christon, Houston
- Daisy Sudderth, Houston
- Andre Scott and Andre Scott Sr, Humble
- Courtney Kennerson, League City
- Tori Schoolcraft, Lubbock
- Yamaceeta Thompson, Plano
- Colton Edwards and Tanya Edwards, Southlake
- Elizabeth Smith, Texarkana
Chloe Burke almost lost her life four years ago on a collegiate football field. The rare, recently pioneered open-heart surgery used to save her was originally funded by the American Heart Association, and she now dedicates her time help save others in completely preventable, proactive ways like with CPR and AED training, knowledge, and accessible resources. In 2023, she lobbied the Texas Senate, finance committee, and House of Appropriations for a bill requiring Texas public schools to budget for CPR and AED training each year. She has spoken to students in countless Texas K-12 schools, talking about preventative health and CPR training.
Every year, more than 356,000 people living in the U.S. experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital, including up to 23,000 children. Early access to 911 and immediate CPR are the first two links in the chain of survival. For every minute without CPR, the chances of survival drop by 10%.
“If we want to make long-lasting change for a healthier future and nation, we have to use our stories and voices to advocate for change,” Burke says. “I am attending so we can teach our youth how to be proactive in unexpected situations and save millions of future lives. I almost lost my life four years ago on a football field and was beyond lucky that my situation happened with medics nearby. We need to equip as many people as possible with the knowledge and tools of CPR & AED training.”
The American Heart Association created the Nation of Lifesavers initiative intending to double cardiac arrest survival rates by 2030. The Association’s teams and volunteers are helping achieve this goal across Texas in many ways. Some efforts, like a CPR kiosk for travelers in DFW Airport, have the potential to spread the Nation of Lifesavers beyond the state.
“We believe the bipartisan HEARTS Act and Access to AEDs Act, along with similar legislation in states across the country, will help create more lifesavers in our communities and make our schools safer for students, staff and visitors on campuses nationwide,” said Alec Puente, government relations director for the American Heart Association in Texas.
Advocates nationwide are encouraged to text AED to 46839 to encourage their representatives in Washington D.C. to pass these lifesaving bills.
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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:
Lindsey Lyons: (214) 441-4114; lindsey.lyons@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org