Advocates call on South Carolina to be heart smart

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– Advocates, medical professionals, and educators are calling on South Carolina to be heart smart.

Wednesday, Jan. 28, supporters of the Smart Heart Act gathered at the State House.

The Smart Heart Act would ensure every public school in the state implements a cardiac emergency response plan and maintains accessible automated external defibrillators at all school athletic venues and events.

This would make it possible for lifesaving equipment and trained personnel to always be within reach when seconds matter.

If enacted the law would take effect July 1st with full implementation beginning in the 2027–2028 school year.