In April of 2022, Damar helped introduce the bipartisan ACCESS to AED’s Act, which would establish a grant program to provide school all across the nation with funding to purchase and maintain AEDs, strengthen access to CPR Training and develop cardiac response plans.
In 2024, Congress unanimously passed and the President signed the HEARTS Act, which includes key provisions from the Access to AEDs Act. The law directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award grants to public elementary and secondary schools partnered with a nonprofit healthcare organization to develop and implement emergency action plans, provide student and faculty access to CPR training and purchase AEDs in schools.
As part of his unexpected life journey, Damar was humbled to join the tireless advocacy efforts of the American Heart Association, the NFL Smart Heart Coalition members, Senator Chuck Schumer and the collective voices of many advocates from across the nation.
Lasting Change
In April of 2024, Damar joined Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer at the NFL Draft, where she signed two bills into law, bolstering emergency cardiac response training and certification for sports coaches. With a focus on keeping kids safe while they play, the laws require all public and private schools to have a plan in the event of an on-field medical emergency and practice it.
Smart Heart Sports Coalition
Inspired by Damar’s experience, in March of 2023, the National Football League and other health advocacy and sports organizations, launched the Smart Heart Sports Coalition. The Coalition works to advocate for all 50 states to adopt evidence-based policies that will help prevent fatal outcomes from sudden cardiac arrest among high school students. For real-time updates on the incredible progress being made, go to www.smartheartsports.com.
“This work is focused on the idea that every high school should have an athletic emergency plan, coaches should be CPR and AED trained and athletic fields should have clearly marked AEDs within a moment’s reach,” said Hamlin.
Access to AED’s Act
These efforts have led to significant milestones:
More than a dozen states have enacted legislation requiring emergency action plans for schools, athletic facilities or both.
Over $14.5 million in funding has been allocated to support these initiatives, ensuring that students, coaches and staff are equipped with the knowledge and tools to respond effectively during emergencies.
The AEDS for Youth program was launched to provide discounted rates for schools and youth groups all across the nation to purchase aeds at dramatic discounts. For more information, go to www.smartheartsports.com/aeds-for-youth.
