Michigan Genetics Resource Center

MI HEARTSafe School Award Program

MI HEARTSafe School Award Program

MI HEARTSafe

Applications are currently closed. They will reopen in January 2027 and remain open until May 15, 2027.

An application worksheet is available for your reference here. This document is provided as a guide to help schools complete their applications.

A HEARTSafe designation recognizes a school’s efforts to prevent sudden cardiac death of the young (SCDY) by preparing for a cardiac emergency. Members of this school community know how to recognize the signs of a sudden cardiac arrest and respond quickly by calling 9-1-1 and using CPR and an automated external defibrillator (AED) until EMS arrives.

How to become a MI HEARTSafe School

Minimum Criteria:

  • A written cardiac emergency response plan, reviewed at least annually with staff.
  • A cardiac emergency response team with current CPR/AED certification, sufficient to respond to an emergency during school hours AND during organized after-school activities and sports, if applicable.
  • At least 10% of staff, 50% of K-8 coaches (including 100% of K-8 head coaches), 100% of high school coaches, and 100% of P.E. staff with current completion of CPR/AED certification course*.
    *Qualifying CPR/AED courses can be found on the MDE Approved CPR/AED and First Aid Providers website.
  • A sufficient number* of accessible, properly maintained and inspected AEDs, ready to use, with signs identifying AED locations. *Sufficient number is estimated by time to scene from recognition to AED placement within 2-5 minutes.
  • The performance of at least one cardiac emergency response simulation/drill* per year.
    *Including recognizing signs of sudden cardiac arrest and using the American Heart Association’s Chain of Survival: early recognition, early call to 9-1-1, early CPR and early AED until EMS arrive to provide advanced life support.
  • Compliance with applicable Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) policies: a) all athletic pre-participation screening completed with the most recent MHSAA form; b) the school has emergency action plans for all high school varsity and sub-varsity teams specific to their practice and contest locations (MHSAA policy adopted in 2024-2025).

The MI HEARTSafe School designation is awarded for a period of three school years.

To learn more about sudden cardiac arrest, the importance of cardiac emergency preparedness, organizing your cardiac emergency response team, conducting a drill, and how to become a MI HEARTSafe school, view the 2025 MI HEARTSafe School Virtual Workshop here:

MI HEARTSafe School Virtual Workshop Recording – January 2025

For questions about MI HEARTSafe Schools Award Program and how to qualify and apply for MI HEARTSafe designation, please email MDHHS-MI-HeartSafe@michigan.gov.