On June 14, the ACC joined members of the National Football League’s (NFL) Smart Heart Sports Coalition and other stakeholders in Columbus, OH, in support of H.B. 47, a bill that would require AEDs in schools and many municipal sports facilities in the state. The bill also mandates the adoption of emergency action plans and training for staff.  

In addition to attending a press conference hosted by State Reps. Richard Brown (OH-5) and Adam Bird (OH-63), the bill’s sponsors, ACC’s Advocacy team held multiple meetings with key state lawmakers, aiming to drum up further support for this life-saving legislation.

During an ensuing House floor session, the bill sponsors thanked ACC’s Ohio Chapter for their support of H.B. 47. Shortly after, the bill passed the Ohio House in an 84-6 vote, moving to the state Senate.

If enacted, Ohio will join a number of other states – including New Mexico, Kentucky and Indiana – that have taken steps to prevent sudden cardiac arrest since Damar Hamlin’s televised collapse on the football field in early 2023. The legislation remains a priority for ACC’s Ohio Chapter.

Clinical Topics: Arrhythmias and Clinical EP, Cardiovascular Care Team, Sports and Exercise Cardiology, Implantable Devices, SCD/Ventricular Arrhythmias

Keywords: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, Heart Arrest, Death, Sudden, Cardiac, Schools, New Mexico, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Football, ACC Advocacy

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