MARQUETTE — The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and Michigan Department of Education, American Heart Association, Michigan High School Athletic Association and Michigan Alliance for Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Death of the Young celebrate 163 schools receiving the MI HEARTSafe School designation for the 2020-2021

Marquette Area Public Schools and Iron Mountain Public Schools are 2020-23 first-time awarded schools. Rudyard Area Schools are in the 2020-23 Renewing Schools category.

Since the program began in 2013, 649 schools have earned this honor.

This year, 163 schools are being recognized for efforts to keep up with preparedness activities during the 2020-2021 school year. There are 54 schools receiving the award for the first time.

To receive a MI HEARTSafe School designation, schools must have:

≤ A written medical emergency response plan and team that can respond to an emergency during school hours and after-school activities and sports;

≤ Current CPR/automated external defibrillator certification of at least 10% of staff and 50% of coaches, including 100% of head varsity coaches and physical education staff;

≤ Accessible, properly maintained and inspected AEDs with signs identifying locations;

≤ Annual cardiac emergency response drills; and

≤ Pre-participation sports screening of all student athletes using the current physical and history form endorsed by MHSAA.