December 12th 2024.
Damar Hamlin's health crisis during a Monday Night Football game in January 2023 was a frightening experience that has sparked a new legislation focused on improving access to heart health resources. This bill, known as The Cardiomyopathy Health Education, Awareness, Research and Training in Schools Act or HEARTS Act, was unanimously passed by the U.S. Senate on December 10th. According to ESPN, the bipartisan legislation now awaits President Biden's signature to become law.
The HEARTS Act was a collaborative effort between Hamlin and New York Senator Chuck Schumer, who had been working on it since it was passed by the House of Representatives in September. The bill aims to establish a grant program through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to support elementary and secondary schools by providing funding for the purchase of automated external defibrillators (AEDs), resources for CPR and AED training, and assistance in creating cardiac emergency response plans.
The importance of CPR and AEDs was highlighted when they played a critical role in saving Hamlin's life after he suffered cardiac arrest on the field during a game in Cincinnati. He spent nine days in the hospital in Buffalo, New York, before revealing in April 2023 that his cardiac arrest was caused by a rare condition called commotio cordis, which occurs when there is a blow to the chest.
At an event on Monday with Senator Schumer, Hamlin expressed his gratitude for the support he has received since his health scare. "Since experiencing cardiac arrest, I've been honored to work with partners who understand the importance of providing CPR education and access to AEDs to save lives," he said. "I'm very grateful to Senator Schumer for making this common-sense legislation a priority. My journey has shown us that no one expects cardiac arrest to happen, and we all need to be prepared."
In the aftermath of his health scare, Hamlin has dedicated much of his time to his foundation, Chasing M's, and the American Heart Association, to raise awareness about the importance of CPR training and the availability of AEDs in communities. Studies have shown that children who experience cardiac arrest in schools with AEDs are seven times more likely to survive compared to those in schools without them, as reported by the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
The Buffalo Bills and the NFL have also shown their support for the HEARTS Act. Hamlin believes that every individual deserves the same level of care that he received and hopes that this bill will have a positive impact on the next generation. "As far as kids growing up who want to chase their dreams and pursue anything they want to do, we have a chance to impact the next generation and make history," he said.
In addition to his work with the HEARTS Act, Hamlin's foundation, Chasing M's, has been taking CPR training on the road to increase awareness about the importance of being prepared for a cardiac emergency. This initiative has received widespread support and recognition, and Hamlin is proud to be a part of it. His experience has only strengthened his determination to make a difference and ensure that others are equipped with the necessary knowledge and resources to save lives.
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