KENTUCKY — The American Heart Association in Kentucky is leading a critical initiative to promote awareness of Cardiac Emergency Response Plans (CERPs) across the Commonwealth.
Sponsored by the Kentucky Association of Health Plans (KAHP), the trade association representing Medicaid managed care organizations and commercial insurers in the Commonwealth, this campaign aims to substantially improve community safety and readiness by implementing CERPs in public spaces across nine communities over the next three years. Initial efforts are already underway in Paducah, Bowling Green and Owensboro in Western Kentucky, with plans to expand to additional communities in the coming months.
Recent legislative successes in Kentucky, including the mandate for CERPs in all public schools, underscore the pressing need for comprehensive cardiac emergency preparedness statewide. The newly enacted HEARTS Act at the national level further emphasizes the critical importance of these plans, extending beyond educational settings to broader public safety initiatives.
"Implementing CERPs in Kentucky communities is a vital step towards saving lives across the state," said Katherine North, Director of External Affairs for KAHP. "By working with the American Heart Association, we are dedicated to equipping communities with essential resources and empowering Kentuckians to respond effectively during cardiac emergencies."
Tracy Monks, Community Impact Director for the Association in Kentuckiana, added, "Everyone has a role to play in the chain of survival, and having CERPs in place can make a lifesaving difference. We are committed to expanding these efforts across Kentucky, ensuring more communities are well-prepared and capable of responding quickly and effectively."
In addition to implementing CERPs, the campaign will include a comprehensive awareness initiative featuring a compelling video series. This series will highlight individuals and families who have been positively affected by having CERPs in place, as well as those who have faced cardiac emergencies without them, and will demonstrate the importance of readiness and prompt action. The campaign will also spotlight responses from businesses and community organizations, emphasizing the importance of CERPs in public settings.
Additionally, the campaign will include kickoff events in select communities as CERPs are implemented, educational outreach, hands-on training in CPR and AED use and the strategic placement of AEDs in high-traffic public areas. Plans are in place to expand across the state each year to maximize the impact on community safety and readiness.
Resources, templates and additional information about CERPs are available at tinyurl.com/CERPResources. To learn how you can support this initiative or get involved, visit heart.org/Kentucky or contact .
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, on Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
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For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
