DOVER, Oct. 6, 2025 — Advocates with the American Heart Association, devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, celebrated alongside students, families, and community members at Dover High School on Friday night as Gov. Matt Meyer signed House Bill 71 into law. The lifesaving measure represents a historic step forward in protecting Delaware’s student athletes and school communities from the dangers of sudden cardiac arrest.
The legislation, championed by American Heart Association Heart Powered grassroots advocates and sponsored by Rep. Kerri Evelyn Harris (D-32nd District) and Sen. Nicole Poore (D-12th District), requires all coaches to be trained in CPR and AED use, ensures AEDs are present at every athletic event and practice, and mandates venue-specific emergency action plans. The law builds on the Grace Firestone Act and the work of the Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association, expanding protections to save more young lives.
“Sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death among young athletes, and this bill takes the steps we know can prevent tragedy,” said Whitney Parrish Perry, government relations director, American Heart Association, Delaware. “By requiring CPR training, AED training and access, and written and rehearsed emergency action plans, Delaware is leading the way in protecting students, athletes and families from the unthinkable.”
As Dr. Sean Connolly, DO, pediatric cardiologist at Nemours Children’s Health, Delaware Valley, and national volunteer for the American Heart Association, emphasized in a recent op-ed, “Not every cardiac arrest can be prevented, but lives can be saved with appropriate training, planning, and equipment. By certifying all coaches in CPR and AED use, developing and practicing emergency action plans, and ensuring AEDs are readily available at all school athletic events and practices, this bill lays the foundation for what we know increases survival from sudden cardiac arrest. These strategies work and lives will be saved.”
Cardiac arrest claims more than 350,000 lives annually in the U.S., with survival rates under 10% outside hospitals. Among children, more than 23,000 experience cardiac arrest each year — nearly 40% during sports. In schools with Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), approximately 70% of children survive cardiac arrest - — seven times the overall survival rate for children.
The pre-game signing also included participation from National Football League (NFL) and Smart Heart Sports Coalition representative Todd Herremans, retired offensive lineman for 11 seasons, including 10 with the Philadelphia Eagles, highlighting the League’s long-standing collaboration with the American Heart Association as a founding member of the Smart Heart Sports Coalition., The Coalition was established by the NFL to advocate for all 50 states to adopt evidence-based policies preventing fatal outcomes from cardiac arrests among students outside of hospitals. To learn more about these efforts and get involved, visit heartpowered.org/cerp.
This milestone represents a major step in protecting Delaware’s student athletes and school communities. The American Heart Association will continue working with schools, policymakers, and community partners to support effective implementation and advance preparedness efforts in schools statewide. Visit heart.org/cerp for more info.
###
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 one hundred 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:
Athena Klapak
athena.klapak@heart.org
For Public Inquiries:
1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
