On December 10, 2024, the U.S. Senate passed the Cardiomyopathy Health Education, Awareness, Research, and Training in Schools Act—better known as the HEARTS Act—following its passage in the House. On December 23, 2024, this historic bill was signed into law, ensuring that every school in the United States is equipped with AEDs and provides CPR training for students and staff. This landmark legislation empowers future generations with the tools and knowledge to respond to cardiac emergencies and save lives.

ZOLL is proud to celebrate this milestone and the significant impact it will have on communities across the country. We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Damar Hamlin for his unwavering advocacy in supporting the passage of the HEARTS Act. His partnership with ZOLL and dedication to this cause have played a pivotal role in driving this legislation forward. We also want to thank the countless advocates, parents, families, and organizations whose tireless work and determination brought this bill to fruition. Your efforts have paved the way for safer, more prepared communities.

While the HEARTS Act marks a major step forward in ensuring that AEDs are available in schools, we know that access alone is not enough. Many Americans still hesitate to use one in an emergency.  Every year, over 100,000 sudden cardiac arrests (SCA) occur outside the home, but fewer than half of Americans are familiar with AEDs (48%), feel confident using them (46%), or know where to find one in public spaces (49%). 

This gap in awareness is why the passing of the HEARTS Act is so important. It ensures that AEDs will be placed where they are needed most— in schools—and that the next generation will be educated in life-saving CPR techniques, empowering them to act quickly in an emergency.

ZOLL is deeply committed to raising awareness and driving action around this vital cause. As part of our Anything Can Happen. Anyone Can Help.™ initiative, we continue to work alongside Damar Hamlin and other advocacy partners to increase AED access and spread the message that AEDs empower anyone to help in an emergency..

To learn more about how you can help prepare your community with life-saving AEDs and training, visit www.AnyoneCanHelp.com. Together, we can create safer, more prepared communities.