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Each February, schools and communities across the nation recognize Heart Health Month, an opportunity to highlight the importance of cardiovascular health and the role education plays in supporting students’ lifelong well-being.

Cardiovascular health is shaped by physical activity, nutrition, stress management, sleep, and informed decision-making. Because these factors are closely connected to what students learn and practice in school, educational settings are uniquely positioned to help young people build the knowledge, skills, and habits that promote heart health across their lifespan. Age-appropriate instruction can support students in understanding how daily choices affect overall wellness, recognizing physical and emotional cues that signal the need for rest or assistance and developing self-advocacy and responsible decision-making skills.

In É«ÖÐÉ«, legislative and regulatory efforts further reinforce the importance of cardiac health education and preparedness in school communities. Commissioner’s Regulations §100.2(c)(11) requires senior high school students to receive instruction in hands-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and awareness of automated external defibrillator (AED) use, based on nationally recognized guidelines. In addition, the Dominic Murray Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act and Desha’s Law strengthen requirements related to recognizing warning signs of cardiac distress and implementing cardiac emergency response planning within school safety frameworks. Collectively, these statutes emphasize prevention, awareness, and preparedness, underscoring the essential role schools play in protecting student health and safety.

Instruction related to cardiovascular health may be integrated across multiple contexts, including health education, physical education, and broader school-wide wellness initiatives. These coordinated learning experiences promote not only physical well-being but also confidence in navigating real-world health situations and responding appropriately in emergencies.

Districts may also find value in partnering with families and community organizations to reinforce consistent messaging around health and wellness. Publicly available resources from state and national health organizations can support awareness efforts aligned to local priorities. As part of its ongoing commitment to high-quality instruction and student well-being, the Department encourages locally determined approaches that help students understand how daily choices, physical activity, and self-care contribute to cardiovascular health and overall quality of life.

Questions related to instructional expectations or the role of health and physical education in supporting cardiovascular health may be directed to the Office of Standards and Instruction at P12StandardsInstruction@nysed.gov.

Questions related to the implementation of Desha’s Law, the Dominic Murray Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act, or cardiac emergency response planning should be directed to the Office of Student Support Services at Studentsupportservices@nysed.gov.