Incarnate Word Academy becomes first school in Coastal Bend to adopt cardiac emergency response plan
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas, Aug. 11, 2025 — Incarnate Word Academy (IWA) has become the first school in the Coastal Bend to adopt the American Heart Association’s cardiac emergency response plan (CERP), marking a major milestone in campus safety and emergency preparedness.
A CERP is a structured, written protocol developed by the Association to help schools, workplaces and community organizations respond quickly and effectively to cardiac emergencies. CERPS operationalize the mission of the organization’s Nation of Lifesavers™, a nationwide movement to ensure that more people are trained in CPR and AED use, with the goal of doubling survival rates from cardiac arrest by 2030.
Earlier this year, the Texas Legislature passed the Landon Payton Act (Senate Bill 865) requiring all Texas public schools to implement a CERP. Though Incarnate Word is not a public school, officials are voluntarily implementing a CERP to protect its students. The plan will be accessible to faculty, staff and parents via email, the school portal and website.
Staff from the American Heart Association’s Corpus Christi team led a hands-on CPR and AED refresher for about 100 members of the school’s faculty and staff during a recent in-service training day. The training was facilitated by local Community Impact Director Melissa De La Garza, Development Director Amy Snell Canterbury and Nation of Lifesavers Chairman Dr. Osbert Blow, who is also an IWA parent.
“This is a historic day for the Coastal Bend,” said Blow. “As a longtime advocate for the American Heart Association and chairman of the Nation of Lifesavers for our area, I could not be more proud. As an Incarnate Word Academy parent, I cannot be more grateful.”
Kevin Steen, IWA athletic director and head of the CERP team, led the session and explained the school’s emergency plan, AED locations and the importance of acting quickly during a cardiac event. Steen is a certified CPR, first aid and AED instructor and a licensed athletic trainer in Texas.
“I’m so excited for IWA to implement a cardiac emergency response plan because the health and safety of our students and faculty is our number one priority,” Steen said. “We need to be prepared when emergencies occur.”
Faculty and staff practiced compressions using CPR Anytime Kits provided through last year’s Heart of Corpus Christi campaign. The school’s parent-teacher organization and Booster Club recently purchased additional AEDs, and existing units will now travel with students and staff during athletic events.
The American Heart Association staff emphasized the importance of CPR and AED training, noting that only 10% of people who suffer cardiac arrest survive — but survival rates can double or triple with immediate action. Faculty were encouraged to visit the CPR kiosk at La Palmera Mall to ensure their families are also prepared
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than 100 years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries
Reyna Caraveo; Reyna.Caraveo@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
