KENTUCKY — February is the 100th anniversary of American Heart Month, which is a time to raise awareness about cardiac health and heart disease.

During this week’s In Focus Kentucky program, we’re highlighting efforts to improve heart health in Kentucky and across the country, plus keeping you up to date on legislation that is moving in this year’s 2024 Kentucky General Assembly session.

In 2023, House Bill 331 was signed into law, requiring emergency medical preparedness plans in Kentucky schools and the ability to locate AEDs. 

In 2024, State Representative Ruth Ann Palumbo, D-Lexington, filed House Bill 169 to update the current state law to require local boards of education to maintain a portable automated external defibrillator (AED) in a public, readily accessible, well-marked location in all school buildings, including elementary school buildings, and at school-sanctioned athletic practices and competitions.

Palumbo joins this segment to share how these types of emergencies are increasing among youth.

You can watch the full In Focus Kentucky segment in the player above.