WASHINGTON, D.C., May, 28, 2024 – Manuel Barriga II of Tatum, N.M.; Ray Henderson of Sandia Park, N.M.; Shayai Lucero of the Laguna Pueblo, N.M.; and Elizabeth “Liz” Nauman of Albuquerque joined other American Heart Association advocates from across the country in Washington, D.C., last 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.
Barriga, is bio-medical coordinator for the Nor-Lea Hospital District in Lovington but has worked as an EMT and EMT chief in his hometown of Tatum. Henderson’s family had a long history of heart disease, and he suffered a heart attack. Lucero and Nauman were born with congenital heart defects. Lucero, a member of the American Heart Association-New Mexico board, additionally had a widowmaker heart attack at age 43.
“My goal as an American Heart Association advocate is to increase awareness and education of heart disease in Native American communities,” said Lucero. “I am also a fierce advocate to inform our lawmakers about the how Native American communities lack adequate medical services, due to [Indian Health Service] funding being reduced nationwide. The ER services that saved my life almost six years ago are no longer available in my community.”
During last week’s meetings on Capitol Hill, Henderson, Lucero and shared their personal stories and urged 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 emphasized 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.
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%.
The American Heart Association created the Nation of Lifesavers initiative with the goal of doubling cardiac arrest survival rates by 2030.
“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 Mahesh Sita, government relations director for the American Heart Association-New Mexico.
Advocates nationwide are encouraged to text AED to 46839 to encourage their representatives in Washington D.C. to pass these lifesaving bills.
###
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