SaveHeart Stories Newsletter: August 2025

Hello friends,

As kids head back to school across the country, we’re thinking about more than reading, writing, and arithmetic. We’re thinking about the hearts of every student, parent, and community member who revolves around activities in and surrounding those schools.

We did a little research, and while data is spotty, one study suggests that about 85% of schools have one AED on campus. Just one- which is almost certainly indoors, and likely locked away after hours. Our research also indicates that less than 25% of schools have an AED available outside. Most of these aren’t housed in a highly visible, temperature-regulated cabinet, and only a rare few are monitored with technology to ensure 24/7 access and readiness.

That’s not going to cut it.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest is still the number one natural cause of death in this country, and the number one cause of death at schools. Technology exists to protect every school student, teacher, staff member, and supporter with lifesaving protection that works when seconds matter. Schools need AEDs that are accessible outdoors and monitored around the clock, to protect people during activities far away from indoor AEDs, or when the school is locked after hours.

There is real momentum taking place at the government level, with laws put in place this summer in Indiana and Pennsylvania, and Florida. But you don’t have to wait for the government to pass a law to do the right thing.

Anyone can be part of this exciting movement. Next time you’re at your local school for a game,

concert, or a parent-teacher night, look around. Is there an AED nearby? Is it outside? Is it highly

visible and available any time, day or night? If not, ask why.

In this issue of the SaveHeart Stories Newsletter, we’re sharing new legislation, real stories, and real solutions—from school districts, organizations, and cities taking action toward powerful, life- saving change in their schools, and in their communities.

Let’s make this school year one where everyone gets to come home at the end of each day.

Thanks for being a part of the SaveHeart by HeartNation community.

Dave Fritzsche,
Founder, SaveHeart by HeartNation

HeartNation Happenings…

ECG Screenings Now Mandatory In Florida

With the passage of the Second Chance Act, Florida has become the first state to mandate ECG screenings for high school athletes, starting in the 2026–27 school year.

Every student in grades 9–12 who participates in or tries out for interscholastic sports will be required to undergo at least one ECG. These screenings detect up to 80% of heart conditions linked to Sudden Cardiac Arrest, the #1 cause of death in student athletes, and the number one natural cause of death of all people in the United States. That includes you and me. To learn more about the legislation, here is a helpful link.

This is more than a policy change. It’s a national wake-up call. One in every 300 youth has a hidden heart condition. Florida’s new law gives those students a better than fighting chance to be seen, protected, and saved.

At SaveHeart by HeartNation, we celebrate this momentum and urge other states, schools, and communities to act now. Remember, you don’t have to wait for a law to do the right thing.

SaveHeart by HeartNation in the News

Congratulations, Arroyo Grande, CA. Your city has taken a major step to save lives and protect the health and safety of your residents.

A new outdoor SaveHeart Wall-Mount Basic Cabinet has been installed at the Soto Sports Complex, providing 24/7 AED access near the tennis and pickleball courts.

Whether it’s a weekend match or an early morning workout, help is now just steps away, any time, day or night- inside a clearly marked SaveHeart by HeartNation AED cabinet for all to see.

Making AEDs a focal point at one location not only protects people at your facility but also has the beneficial ripple effect of increasing AED awareness in the minds of residents and visitors alike, showcasing their lifesaving importance in surrounding communities as well.

Thank you, Arroyo Grande, for prioritizing public safety and setting an example for communities everywhere.

Flashback – Episode #4 –
“The First Sign of Trouble was Death”:
An Interview with Lisa Tennenbaum

In keeping with the theme of heart safety for students and our young people, we wanted to reintroduce you to Lisa Tennenbaum, CEO of the MCORE Foundation. We talked with her on a recent episode of the SaveHeart Stories Podcast about what’s being done to increase awareness and demand for heart screenings for our youth, and what still needs to happen.

Remember, we’re sending our kids back to school this month, and if we don’t know what heart issues may exist, we’re flirting with disaster. Heart screenings can detect hidden conditions in students before tragedy strikes. But screenings aren’t happening nearly enough.

You can listen to the SaveHeart Stories podcast here, and wherever you stream your favorite shows.

And if you like the show, can you do me a favor and click the like button, or even subscribe? We’re in our early days of the podcast, and it takes a little bit to gain momentum as you might imagine. Your support helps to get these SaveHeart stories heard by more people, more often. That’s how we’re going to make an impact for good.

Thank you so much for your support.

Check out the Podcast page!

Taking Back-to-School
Safety to Heart

Read More

SaveHeart by HeartNation
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