Parent Heart Watch

04/06/2026

South Carolina has taken action to improve cardiac emergency preparedness in schools. Governor Henry McMaster signed the Smart Heart Act, requiring all public schools to implement a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP), ensure AED access at athletic venues, and establish trained response teams with regular drills.

The NOLA Network

THE NATIONAL VOICE. PROTECTING YOUTH FROM SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST.

03/29/2026

His heart stopped at just 24 years old.

People recognized what was happening and acted—CPR was started, an AED was used, and EMS responded.

He survived.

Now, he’s using his story to help others understand why recognizing and responding to sudden cardiac arrest matters.

Kyle's Strong Heart Foundation

THE NATIONAL VOICE. PROTECTING YOUTH FROM SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST.

03/29/2026

AEDs should be on the sidelines at every practice and game.

When sudden cardiac arrest happens, there are only minutes to act. Survival depends on immediate access to an AED—yet too many youth sports settings still don’t have one readily available.

Preparedness saves lives.

THE NATIONAL VOICE. PROTECTING YOUTH FROM SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST.

03/27/2026

Remarkable! A 9-year-old used hands-only CPR less than 24 hours after learning it when an adult collapsed from sudden cardiac arrest at church. His quick action, combined with AED use, helped save a life and led to a full recovery.

Empowering kids early on with life-saving skills matters.

THE NATIONAL VOICE. PROTECTING YOUTH FROM SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST.

03/26/2026

A young life lost. A family forever changed.

After the loss of their daughter, Sarah Katz, her parents have been advocating for greater transparency around caffeine content in beverages so individuals can make informed decisions about what they consume.

High caffeine intake may increase the risk of serious cardiac events, particularly in individuals with an undetected heart condition.

Parents should be aware:
- Caffeine may be in drinks you wouldn’t expect
- Some beverages contain large amounts of caffeine in a single serving
- Heart conditions are not always known or diagnosed

Know what’s in the drink.

THE NATIONAL VOICE. PROTECTING YOUTH FROM SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST.

03/24/2026

A Connecticut bill proposes expanding cardiac screening for high school athletes, including consideration of ECG testing.

Many conditions linked to sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) may not be identified through history or symptoms alone—raising important questions about how we identify youth at risk before SCA occurs.

In A Heartbeat Foundation Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference

THE NATIONAL VOICE. PROTECTING YOUTH FROM SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST.

03/23/2026

When caffeine isn’t clearly labeled, people don’t know how much they are consuming—and that can have deadly consequences.

𝐇.𝐑. 𝟐𝟓𝟏𝟏, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐡 𝐊𝐚𝐭𝐳 𝐂𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐀𝐜𝐭, calls for clearer caffeine labeling so consumers can make informed decisions.

𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐚 𝐟𝐞𝐰 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐬. 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬.

𝟏. Open the 5 Calls tool
𝟐. Enter your location
𝟑. Select your representative
𝟒. Use the script
𝟓. Call and urge support for H.R. 2511

Energy drinks and other highly caffeinated beverages can often contain large amounts of caffeine without clear or consistent disclosure of total …

03/16/2026

Oregon has enacted a new law requiring Cardiac Emergency Response Plans (CERPs) in all K-12 schools.

The law requires AED access, cardiac emergency drills, coordination with EMS, and CPR/AED training for staff so schools are prepared to respond to sudden cardiac arrest.

Preparedness saves lives when every second counts.

THE NATIONAL VOICE. PROTECTING YOUTH FROM SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST.

03/13/2026

Every second counts in a cardiac emergency.

Advocates in MN testified in support of SF 3548 for stronger preparedness in school sports so coaches can recognize sudden cardiac arrest and immediately respond with CPR and an AED. PHW member Norm Okerstrom was among those who spoke.

THE NATIONAL VOICE. PROTECTING YOUTH FROM SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST.

03/11/2026

A Fresno High School student died after collapsing during class, according to Fresno Unified School District. Our hearts are with the student’s family, friends, and the entire school community during this difficult time.

Situations where a student collapses highlight the importance of schools having written and practiced Cardiac Emergency Response Plans, along with CPR training and accessible AEDs.

THE NATIONAL VOICE. PROTECTING YOUTH FROM SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST.

03/06/2026

⏰ Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday, March 8.

When you set your clocks forward, take a moment to check that your AED is ready for use in an emergency.

A quick check today can help save a life tomorrow.

03/03/2026

Another seemingly healthy child dies playing the sport he loved.

Twelve-year-old Adriel Enriquez suffered sudden cardiac arrest during soccer practice with Platinum IE Soccer Club in San Bernardino County.

We extend our condolences to his family, teammates, and community.

#23

THE NATIONAL VOICE. PROTECTING YOUTH FROM SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST.