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Michigan Encourages Schools to Apply for Cardiac Preparedness Designation

For Immediate Release: March 24, 2014
 
Michigan Encourages Schools to Apply for Cardiac Preparedness Designation

LANSING – The Michigan Departments of Community Health (MDCH), Education (MDE), Michigan Alliance for Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Death of the Young (MAP-SCDY) and the American Heart Association (AHA) are asking schools that are prepared for cardiac emergencies to apply for the new program, MI HEARTSafe Schools. Launched in November 2013, Michigan schools that have an existing cardiac emergency response plan and have taken additional steps to be prepared for a cardiac emergency will be recognized with a MI HEARTSafe Schools designation for the first time in May 2014.

“Cardiac arrest is often an unexpected and sudden event that can happen at any age,” said Dr. Matthew Davis, Chief Medical Executive with the MDCH. “Implementation of CPR and AED within 3-5 minutes is critical for increasing the chance of survival for victims of cardiac arrest. To be ready for such emergencies, preparation and practice are key.”

Governor Rick Snyder recently signed Public Act 12 of 2014 requiring Michigan schools (grades kindergarten to 12) to have a cardiac emergency response plan in place by July 1, 2014. Between 1999 and 2009 in Michigan, there were 3,134 young individuals between 1 and 39 years of age who died of sudden cardiac death. Of those, 246 were between 5 and 19 years of age. The new MIHEART Safe Schools designation ties nicely into efforts by the State of Michigan to improve the preparedness of schools to respond in an emergency to protect the health of their students.

“MDE is proud to support MI HEARTSafe schools,” said State Superintendent, Mike Flanagan. “Ensuring schools are prepared for sudden cardiac emergencies through planning, training, and AEDs is an important part of safety for students, staff, and the community.”

Schools interested in being recognized for the 2013/2014 academic year must apply by April 1, 2014. In order for a school to receive a MI HEARTSafe designation they must perform at least one cardiac emergency response drill per year; have a written medical emergency response plan and team; have current CPR/AED certification of at least 10 percent of staff; have accessible, properly maintained and inspected AEDs with signs identifying their location; and ensure pre-participation sports screening of all student athletes using the current physical and history form endorsed by the Michigan High School Athletic Association.

For more information about the MI HEARTSafe Schools program, or for schools interested in completing an application, visit www.migrc.org/miheartsafe.  

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