🎧 This week’s guest is Dee Thornton, Director of Student Engagement for the American Heart Association in Central Indiana. Dee joins me to share how the AHA is helping schools easily comply with HEA 1515, the new law that takes effect on July 1, 2025, and requires AEDs and venue-specific cardiac emergency plans at school events—including athletics, marching band, drama, and musical activities.
This episode offers:
✅ A clear breakdown of HEA 1515’s requirements
✅ Turnkey training options and resources from the AHA
✅ Encouragement for schools to promote life-saving skills in their communities
Whether you’re a principal, coach, or program leader, this episode connects you with simple solutions that keep students and staff safer—and your school in compliance.
📄 Cardiac Emergency Response Plan - Planning Checklist
📄 American Heart Association CERP (Cardiac Emergency Response Plan) Schools Checklist
📄 Access IDOE AED Grant Funding
Connect with Dee Thornton at dee.thornton@heart.org!
Thank you for your leadership, your advocacy, and all you do to support Indiana students. We’ll be back as the 2025–26 school year begins—but until then, here’s wishing you a restful, well-deserved summer break.
With appreciation,
Cindy Long
Assistant Executive Director
Indiana Association of School Principals
