Sudden Cardiac Death of the Young

Comprehensive analyses and supplemental reports have been completed to assess the impact of SCDY and to identify action steps for SCDY prevention. The analyses and reports, listed below, include data from the following sources: de-identified mortality data using ICD-10 codes, Michigan Behavioral Risk Factor Survey (MiBRFS) questions inquiring about family history, and findings from an expert panel mortality review of suspected SCDY cases.

Reports and Publications

• MI HEARTSafe School Program Progress Report
• MI HEARTSafe School Flyer
• Impact of Sudden Cardiac Death of the Young in Michigan: 2007 - 2016 Surveillance Update
• Too Young to Die: An Update on the Impact of Sudden Cardiac Death of the Young in Michigan 1999 - 2011
• Sudden Cardiac Death of the Young in Michigan: Development and Implementation of a Novel Mortality Review System

Since the above assessments and mortality case review studies have taken place, more than 25 action steps to prevent SCDY have been identified. Experts have recommended patient, provider, and system level changes to prevent future SCDY. Specific action steps are grouped into 5 areas: pre-participation sports screening; provider education and public awareness; public awareness of cardiac symptoms and CPR/AED training; emergency response protocols; and medical examiner protocols. Below are some of the strategies that MDHHS has employed to prevent SCDY.

Partnerships

MDHHS fosters strong relationships with internal and external cardiac stakeholders across the state. The Michigan Alliance for Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Death of the Young (MAP-SCDY) was convened in 2012 as a statewide collaboration of partners providing leadership, education, and resources for Michigan communities to prevent SCDY. The committee is comprised of physicians, nurses, charitable foundations, community advocates, and representatives from the non-profit, private, healthcare, and government sectors. Committee members participate in meetings coordinated by MDHHS to discuss program updates and activities relative to the alliance’s SCDY preventive mission. For more info about MAP-SCDY, please contact genetics@michigan.gov.

School SCDY Preparedness

The MI HEARTSafe School program was developed in collaboration with MDHHS, MAP-SCDY, Michigan Department of Education (MDE), American Heart Association (AHA), and Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) to encourage school communities to provide the best possible response to a cardiac emergency. MI HEARTSafe schools ensure a safe environment for students, staff, and school visitors by meeting all cardiac preparedness program requirements and being prepared to implement AHA’s Chain of Survival during an emergency. Learn more about preparing for cardiac emergencies from our annual virtual workshop.

Hundreds of schools across the state have achieved MI HEARTSafe status. There is no cost to apply, and all school types are encouraged to participate. Applications for the three-year designation are available online each year beginning in January through May 15. To learn more about application requirements and award information, please visit the MI HEARTSafe School program website or contact MDHHS-MI-HEARTSafe@michigan.gov.