6 News WRGB Albany
by Felix Day
Rochester, NY (WRGB) — On Thursday, July 24, Governor Kathy Hochul signed Desha’s Law today at the Buffalo Bills training camp at St. John Fisher University, mandating comprehensive cardiac emergency response plans in all New York public schools, athletic facilities, and events. The legislation, known as S.5585-A and A.785-A, was unanimously passed by the Senate and Assembly last month.
Desha’s Law is named in memory of state Sen. April N.M. Baskin’s cousin, Desha, who suffered a fatal cardiac arrest while playing basketball in her middle school gym. An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) was available, but the keys to access it were missing, said Baskin.
The American Heart Association, a founding member of the Smart Heart Sports Coalition established by the NFL, played a significant role in advocating for the law. “As our Nation of Lifesavers Ambassador Damar Hamlin and the entire Buffalo Bills organization knows, saving lives from sudden cardiac arrest depends on having a strong chain of survival across the emergency response system,” said Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association.
Kaweeda G. Adams, the American Heart Association’s advocacy ambassador in New York, praised the law as a continuation of efforts to ensure AEDs are in every public school and that high school graduates learn Hands-Only CPR. “We thank Gov. Hochul for signing this law, which will save lives,” Adams said.
State Assemblymember Michaelle Solages emphasized the importance of preparation, not panic. “Desha’s Law is a vital bill that will enable our schools to proactively plan and safeguard our student athletes,” Solages said.
Ann Furner, a retired teacher and cardiac arrest survivor, highlighted the significance of the law. “The passage of this bill means that the busiest places in our communities – schools – will have a firm plan in place to respond to sudden cardiac arrests,” Furner said.
Melinda Murray, founder of the Dominic A. Murray 21 Memorial Foundation, Inc., expressed gratitude for the law, recalling her son Dominic’s tragic cardiac arrest at school. “The signing of the Cardiac Emergency Response Plan is a critical step in prevention. Lives will be saved,” Murray said.
Karen Acompora, whose son inspired Louis’ Law, also thanked Governor Hochul. “The Cardiac Emergency Response plans can significantly strengthen Louis’ Law and improve outcomes during sudden cardiac events,” Acompora said.
Desha’s Law positions New York among a growing number of states enhancing preparedness for cardiac emergencies in schools, with more than two dozen states having passed similar laws.
