Throughout the year, our blog will feature AHA volunteer stories of survival and hope. We know there are thousands of stories like these - thats why we want to say “Thanks” to all of you for giving your time and sharing your lives with us. You can’t spell CURE without U! Thank you for all you do to build healthier lives free of cardiovascular disease and stroke. YOU’RE THE CURE!

Monday, January 30, 2012

Creating the Next Generation of Lifesavers in Minnesota

Jamie LaLonde is lucky to be alive today. When she had her Sudden Cardiac Arrest at 18 years old while working at the Mall of America, she was surrounded by friends who had just graduated high school and no one knew what to do. Luckily there was a police officer around the corner who knew CPR and how to use an AED and saved Jamie’s life.

Today, Jamie met with her State Senator, Dan Hall of Burnsville, who is authoring a bill for the American Heart Association that would require all students to receive CPR training before they graduate from high school. What most people don’t realize is that in about the same amount of time it takes to watch the average TV sitcom, students can get trained in CPR. If we assure all students get this training before they graduate, we’ll be training the next generation of lifesavers in Minnesota.

Join Jamie and other advocates for our Heart on the Hill on March 7 in St. Paul. Advocates from across the state will speak with Minnesota legislators in a strong, unified voice about the importance of fighting heart disease and stroke and creating thousands of life savers by requiring all Minnesota high schools students to learn CPR.

The day starts with workshops and training and then you’ll put your skills to the test when you meet with your state legislators. Breakfast and lunch included. Students are also encouraged to attend this daylong event. There's no cost to attend but advance registration is required. Register today at: Heart on the Hill 2012. For questions, contact Ngia Mua at ngia.mua@heart.org or 952-278-7934.

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