MI HEARTSafe School Award Application and Designation
Schools may submit a 2025–2026 MI HEARTSafe School application between January 1 and May 15, 2026!
Online applications will be accepted through the MI HEARTSafe School Application Form until May 15, 2026. A completed application must be submitted by this date for consideration for the award.
An application worksheet and checklist are available for your reference. These documents are provided as a guide to help schools complete their applications. Only online applications will be accepted.
The MI HEARTSafe designation recognizes schools that prepare for cardiac emergencies and help prevent sudden cardiac death of the young (SCDY). School staff and community members are trained to recognize cardiac arrest and respond quickly by calling 9-1-1, performing CPR, and using an AED until EMS arrives.
This designation lasts for three school years. Schools that qualify receive a letter of commendation, certificate and banner to proudly display inside the school, and are spotlighted on our website, all at no cost to the school.
How to Become a MI HEARTSafe School
Missed the live event? The 2026 MI HEARTSafe School Virtual Workshop recording is now available for on-demand viewing. Learn about Sudden Cardiac Death of the Young (SCDY), why preparedness matters, and how your school can become a MI HEARTSafe School.
Compliance with Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL) Section 29.19b, created from House Bills 5527 and 5528 (2024), is required for MI HEARTSafe School designation starting in the 2025–2026 school year, along with the minimum criteria outlined below.
Minimum Criteria:
- A written cardiac emergency response plan (CERP), reviewed at least annually with staff.
- A cardiac emergency response team (CERT), with current and qualifying CPR/AED certification*, available 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 a qualifying CPR/AED certification course*.
- A sufficient number** of accessible, properly maintained and inspected AEDs, ready to use, with signs identifying AED locations.
- Schools must conduct at least one cardiac emergency response drill or simulation each year that includes recognizing signs of sudden cardiac arrest and following the American Heart Association’s Chain of Survival: early recognition, calling 9-1-1, performing CPR, and using an AED until EMS arrives to provide advanced life support. Participation by local EMS is encouraged but not required.
- Compliance with applicable Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) policies:
- All athletic pre-participation screening completed with the most recent MHSAA form;
- 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).
*Qualifying CPR/AED courses can be found on the MDE Approved CPR & First Aid Providers website.
**A sufficient number is determined by the time from recognition to AED arrival at the scene, which should be within 1–3 minutes from any location on the school campus.
For questions about the MI HEARTSafe Schools Award Program, including how to qualify and apply for MI HEARTSafe designation, please review our Frequently Asked Questions or email us at: MDHHS-MI-HeartSafe@michigan.gov.
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