In a monumental step forward for cardiac health nationwide, President Joe Biden has officially signed the HEARTS Act into law. The bill, passionately advocated for by Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin following his on-field cardiac arrest in January 2023, aims to dramatically increase access to lifesaving CPR training and automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in schools across America.
Hamlin’s Harrowing Experience Sparks Change
Damar Hamlin’s frightening collapse during a Monday Night Football game last year sent shockwaves through the sports world and beyond. The 26-year-old safety suffered sudden cardiac arrest after making a tackle, requiring immediate CPR and defibrillation on the field to restore his heartbeat. Hamlin’s near-death experience ignited a nationwide conversation about the critical importance of accessible CPR education and AED equipment.
Collaborating for Cardiac Health
In the wake of his traumatic ordeal, Hamlin joined forces with Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY), the NFL’s Smart Hearts Coalition, the American Heart Association, and his own Chasing M’s Foundation to champion the HEARTS Act. Their united effort aimed to transform Hamlin’s personal tragedy into positive change, ensuring more people have access to the training and tools needed to save lives in cardiac emergencies.
“It’s super dope, man. Shout out to Senator Schumer. Shout out to the Smart Hearts Coalition. Shout out to the American Heart Association and to my Chasing M’s foundation. We all came together to make some legacy off the field.”
– Damar Hamlin
Key Provisions of the HEARTS Act
The newly enacted law establishes a grant program through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to support several vital initiatives:
- CPR and AED training in elementary and secondary schools nationwide
- Purchase of AED devices for schools
- Development of comprehensive cardiac emergency response plans
By increasing access to this critical education and equipment, the HEARTS Act aims to equip more people with the skills and tools to respond effectively in the precious minutes following a cardiac arrest, when immediate action can mean the difference between life and death.
Hamlin’s Triumphant Return to the Field
Astonishingly, just months after his near-fatal cardiac event, Damar Hamlin defied the odds and returned to the football field. Cleared by doctors to resume playing in spring 2023, Hamlin made his emotional comeback on October 1st in the Bills’ resounding 48-20 victory over the Miami Dolphins. The courageous safety has since reclaimed his starting role, continuing to inspire fans both on and off the gridiron.
A Legacy That Transcends Sports
While Damar Hamlin always dreamed of leaving a lasting impact through his play on the field, his journey has empowered him to create an even more profound legacy. By channeling his harrowing experience into advocacy for the HEARTS Act, Hamlin has become a catalyst for change, helping to ensure that more lives will be saved through access to CPR training and AEDs.
“I always wanted to, in my life, leave a legacy on the field, but to have a legacy and have meaning and purpose off the field.”
– Damar Hamlin
As the HEARTS Act begins to take effect, schools across the nation will be better prepared to respond to cardiac emergencies. Through increased CPR education and strategically placed AEDs, countless lives may be saved, all thanks to the tireless efforts of Damar Hamlin and his fellow advocates. In turning his personal tragedy into a force for positive change, Hamlin has left an indelible mark that extends far beyond the boundaries of any football field.
