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For Immediate Release: June 9, 2008
Sutton School AED Legislation Passes House of Representatives
The Josh Miller HEARTS Act, will provide schools with funds for automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and AED/CPR training.
Today, H.R. 4926, the Josh Miller HEARTS (Helping Everyone Access
Responsive Treatment in Schools) Act passed the US House of Representatives. This legislation was introduced in the House
by Congresswoman Betty Sutton (D-OH) in December, 2007.
The Josh Miller HEARTS Act will establish a grant program through the
Department of Education that will provide schools with funds for lifesaving
AEDs and AED/CPR training. The
legislation is modeled on the successful School AED Program recently completed
in the state of
H.R. 4926 is named in memory of Josh Miller, a 15-year-old student from
Sutton's hometown of
"H.R. 4926 bears Josh Miller's name, but it is truly in memory of all those
who might have been saved, and in celebration of those who, because of this
program, will have the opportunity to live to their fullest potential," said
Congresswoman Sutton. "AEDs are the
single most effective treatment for those suffering a sudden cardiac arrest. By
ensuring that schools have access to these lifesaving devices, we can prevent
needless deaths in communities across the country."
Ken Miller, Josh Miller's father said: "We are very pleased that
this bill has passed the House of Representatives. It certainly
gives meaning to us for the tragic loss of our son, Josh. We wish to
thank Congresswoman Sutton and all of those who have worked so hard on
this initiative. Our hope and prayer is that no other family will ever endure
the needless loss of a child, especially when it is preventable by a device as
easy to use as an AED."
Dr. Terry Gordon, who spearheaded the School AED
Program in
Robert O'Connor, M.D., M.P.H, Chair, American Heart Association, Emergency Cardiovascular Committee said: "Training in CPR and the use of AEDs can prevent needless deaths and provide assurance to employees and families that schools are prepared to respond to these medical emergencies. We applaud Representative Betty Sutton for her leadership in introducing legislation to make AEDs available in our schools and the House leadership for making it a priority. We encourage the Senate to follow the House's lead and pass this legislation as soon as possible. "
The Josh Miller HEARTS Act has 100 bipartisan cosponsors and has been
endorsed by a broad coalition of organizations in education and public health,
including the American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association,
American Red Cross, American Federation of Teachers, Heart Rhythm Society,
International Association of Fire Fighters, National Education Association,
National Safety Council, Sudden Cardiac Arrest Association, and the Sudden
Cardiac Arrest Coalition.
Contact: Erin Donar at 202-225-3401
Oct. 9 - Jetting off to the islands: Port Authority brings Jet Express to Black River Landing (Lorain Morning Journal)
Oct. 31 - Congresswoman Sutton Recieved 100% Grade (The National Breast Cancer Coalition’s Congressional Record of Support for the 110th Congress)
Oct. 27 - Ohio Democrats Ask Justice Department Not To Intervene In Voter Registration Dispute (AHN)
Sep. 25 - Great Achievement (Akron Beacon Journal)
Sep. 21 - Congresswoman fights for DHL jobs (Dayton Daily News)