The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services awarded 360 schools the MI HEARTSafe designation for meeting cardiac emergency preparedness standards, the department said. Among the honorees, 133 received the designation for the first time.
Since the program began in 2013, 1,360 schools have received the honor, with 1,063 schools maintaining an active MI HEARTSafe designation.
To receive the designation, schools must meet five critical safety criteria: a written cardiac emergency response plan; accessible, properly maintained automated external defibrillators (AEDs) with clear directional signage; current CPR/AED certification for at least 10 percent of staff, 50 percent of coaches (including 100 percent of head coaches) and 100 percent of physical education teachers; annual cardiac emergency response drills; and pre-participation athletic health screenings for students.
MDHHS acting director Amy Epkey said the designation "reflects a strong, clear commitment to cardiac emergency preparedness." The department will host a virtual educational workshop in January 2027 for schools seeking the designation, with continuing education credits available for attending nurses and school personnel.