CHAMPIONING THE ACCESS TO AED ACT

In April 2022, Damar helped introduce the bipartisan Access to AEDs Act brought to the House of Representatives by Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.) and Bill Posey (R-Fla.).

This is a bipartisan bill that would establish a grant program to provide schools with the funds to purchase and maintain AEDs, strengthen CPR training, and develop cardiac emergency response plans.

“Sudden cardiac arrest happens to more than 7,000 kids under the age of 18 every year in our country – 7,000 kids every year. The majority of the kids impacted are student-athletes, and research shows that 1 in every 300 youth has an undetected heart condition that puts them at risk. For schools that have AEDs, the survival rate for the children from sudden cardiac arrest is 7 times higher,” shared Damar on Capitol Hill.

“Sudden cardiac arrest happens to more than 7,000 kids under the age of 18 every year in our country.  For schools with AEDs, the survival rate is 7 times higher.  It’s time for lasting legislative change that will protect youth.”


Since experiencing cardiac arrest, Damar has been committed to inspiring lasting change, which includes legislation being introduced in many states 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

In April of 2023, Damar joined legislators on both sides of the aisle, along with Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association, at a press conference on Capital Hill, to raise awareness of the need for change.  Hamlin’s work helped to introduce the bipartisan Access to AEDs Act to the House of Representatives, led by Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) and Bill Posey (R-FL).  This bill would help provide schools with the funds to purchase and maintain AEDs, strengthen CPR training, and develop cardiac emergency plans.