MECHANICSBURG, PA – The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association, Inc. (PIAA), and Huddle for Hearts, powered by the Peyton Walker Foundation, have entered into a partnership through May 2027 to assist PIAA member schools in understanding and preparing for Pennsylvania’s new Automated External Defibrillator (AED) requirements related to sudden cardiac arrest, following the passing of Act 17. According to the American Heart Association, sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of the death in student athletes and on school campuses in general.
 
Through the partnership, Huddle for Hearts will provide PIAA member schools with current AED product education, emergency response planning resources, and training information. These resources will be shared to PIAA member schools through an online resource center, as well as through social media, event pop-ups, and scheduled webinars.
 
“Partnering with Huddle for Hearts provides the PIAA with a valuable resource to help our member schools better understand the new AED requirements and prepare their staff to respond to a sudden cardiac arrest,” said Mark Byers, PIAA Executive Director. “Having the proper equipment, training and response plan in place can make a critical difference when seconds matter.”
 
“Being prepared to respond to a sudden cardiac arrest isn't just about meeting a legal requirement,” explains Julie Walker, president of Peyton Walker Foundation and Huddle for Hearts. “It's about protecting and empowering every student, employee, coach, volunteer, and visitor who walks through your doors. We want to help make that easily achievable for every Pennsylvania school and athletic facility.”
 
Additionally, Huddle for Hearts, in conjunction with Cardio Partners and Heartstream, will provide a platform to assist schools in need with offsetting the costs associated with purchasing AEDs, replacement supplies, and related training. These organizations look forward to continuing the partnership throughout the 2026-2027 school year and beyond.

Media Contacts:
Lyndsay Barna
PIAA, Director of Communications & Sport
lbarna@piaa.org
 
Julie Walker
Huddle for Hearts, powered by the Peyton Walker Foundation, President & Peyton’s Mom
julie@huddleforhearts.org

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About PIAA:
Beginning in Pittsburgh, on December 29, 1913, PIAA was given the privilege of serving its member schools and registered officials by establishing policies and adopting contest rules that emphasize the educational values of interscholastic athletics, promote safe and sportsmanlike competition, and provide uniform standards for all interscholastic levels of competition.
 
About Huddle for Hearts:
Huddle For Hearts® is a national life-saving initiative powered by The Peyton Walker Foundation. We partner with collegiate/high school athletes and students who are dedicated to our mission of increasing awareness and survival rates of Sudden Cardiac Arrest to grow our impact across the US. Through our Huddle for Hearts® program, AEDs and CPR training are donated to youth sports and youth service organizations, especially in underserved communities, where kids play, practice, and gather. Early defibrillation with an AED can mean the difference between life and death.