Washington, D.C. - Earlier today, the Josh Miller HEARTS (Helping Everyone Access Responsive Treatment in Schools) Act, sponsored by Congresswoman Betty Sutton (D-OH), passed the House of Representatives and will be introduced later this week in the Senate by Sen. George Voinovich (R-OH). The Josh Miller HEARTS Act, or H.R. 1380, will establish a federal grant program that will enable elementary and secondary schools across the nation to access automated external defibrillators (AEDs). Its passage this week coincides with National CPR and AED Awareness Week.

The bill is named in memory of Josh Miller, a 15-year-old student from Rep. Sutton's hometown of Barberton, Ohio who suffered a sudden cardiac arrest during a high school football game. Although he had never demonstrated any symptoms of heart problems, he collapsed shortly after he left the football field. By the time the paramedics arrived at the scene, it was too late to save Josh.

"Like Josh, the vast majority of individuals who suffer sudden cardiac arrest do not display any prior signs of heart trouble, so immediate access to an AED is absolutely crucial in saving lives," Rep. Sutton said. "I am pleased to report that Ohio Senator George Voinovich will be leading the charge in the Senate, and Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown will work with him to ensure its passage."

This bill is endorsed by the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association, the Heart Rhythm Society, the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Association, the International Association of Firefighters, the American College of Cardiology, the National Education Association, Parent Heart Watch, American Federation of Teachers and the National Safety Council.

"There is no greater feeling of hopelessness than to see a child pass away before your eyes when there is nothing you can do," said Ken Miller, Josh's father. "I trust the bill will save a lot of Americans heartache that is just unnecessary. If there is a chance to save these children, we must do something. I want to thank Congresswoman Sutton for what she has done. With so many things going on right now in Washington, we are thankful she has taken the time to move this bill forward."

Dr. Terry Gordon, a cardiologist at Akron General Medical Center, who led the School AED Program adopted in Ohio, added: "This legislation will offer our society the safety and security it so deserves. Every school day, 20 percent of the U.S. adult and child population is in our schools, where the placement of AEDs will save countless lives. The magnitude of the bill has the potential to literally touch the lives of every single American, from the oldest grandparent to the youngest child. Its impact will remain not only for this school year or the next, but for all succeeding generations to come."

AEDs are portable, easy-to-use medical devices that have been deployed in many public areas. CPR combined with early defibrillation using an AED more than doubles the odds of survival. Quick access to AEDs is crucial, as the odds of survival for a person suffering from sudden cardiac arrest decrease seven to ten percent for every minute that passes without treatment.

Schools receiving these grants must certify that 5 adults at the school have been trained in CPR and AED use, and they must also coordinate with the local paramedics and other emergency personnel to ensure those suffering from sudden cardiac arrest can have the quickest possible access to care.