Celebrating a Win for the Cardiomyopathy Community
The DCM Foundation joins the Children’s Cardiomyopathy Foundation (CCF) in celebrating the signing of the Cardiomyopathy Health Education, Awareness, And Research and AED Training in Schools (HEARTS) Act into law by President Biden. This landmark legislation marks a significant step forward in the fight against cardiomyopathy.
CCF’s Journey
This victory is the culmination of years of dedicated work by CCF. Their journey began in 2010, when Representative Frank Pallone (NJ-06) reached out to them following the tragic loss of two Middlesex County students to sudden cardiac arrest caused by cardiomyopathy.
CCF has tirelessly advocated for the HEARTS Act, working with Rep. Pallone and other members of Congress to secure bipartisan support. This legislation is a testament to their commitment and the power of advocacy.
How the HEARTS Act Will Save Lives
This critical legislation empowers school professionals and families with the knowledge and tools they need to identify and respond to cardiomyopathy and sudden cardiac arrest. The HEARTS Act will:
- Develop and distribute educational materials to schools for teachers and parents.
- Provide risk assessment resources to help identify children at risk for sudden cardiac arrest.
- Establish surveillance research to better understand cardiomyopathy in children.
- Support automated external defibrillators (AED) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) school programs and training to encourage emergency preparedness.
A Brighter Future
The signing of the HEARTS Act into law is a momentous occasion for the cardiomyopathy community. We applaud CCF for their leadership and dedication in championing this vital legislation. We are hopeful that this law will have a lasting impact on the lives of children and families affected by cardiomyopathy.
Learn More
To learn more about the Children’s Cardiomyopathy Foundation, please visit their website at https://www.childrenscardiomyopathy.org/.
Together, we can continue to raise awareness and support those affected by cardiomyopathy.