Meadowview School receives MI HEARTSafe School Award

The MI HEARTSafe School award is given to school’s that prioritize student safety and establish emergency plans and processes. More specifically, the HEARTSafe designation recognizes a school's efforts to prevent sudden cardiac death of the young (SCDY).

Meadowview School established a plan for automated external defibrillator (AED) use as well as assembled a response team of other Eaton RESA staff to assist when needed. The goal of the response team would be to be to act efficiently and effectively should a student go into sudden cardiac arrest while on campus. The team can recognize the signs of a sudden cardiac arrest and respond quickly by calling 9-1-1 and using CPR and an AED until EMS arrives.

"Safety is at the forefront of every decision that is made and given our medically fragile population, we need to be prepared. Thanks to the efforts of our school nurse, Deniece Kellogg, who has led this endeavor, our AED Team has successfully responded to two students that displayed signs of cardiac distress. While the team did not need to utilize the AED device in either of those situations, the team closely monitored both students until first responders arrived. The staff was organized and efficient and I couldn't be more proud of them," said Kelly Hager, Co-Principal of Meadowview School.

“Cardiac arrest is often an unexpected and sudden event that can happen at any age. By meeting standards to protect our students, staff, and visitors in the event of a sudden cardiac arrest, Meadowview School is now considered a MI HEARTSafe School. Our medical emergency response team is a dedicated group of people who are passionate about their responsibilities. We are very proud to receive this designation,” added Deniece Kellogg, BSN-RN, Meadowview School Nurse.

The MI HEARTSafe School designation is in place for three years for Meadowview School. The award was given last week at University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy in Detroit by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services in partnership with the Michigan Department of Education, American Heart Association, Michigan High School Athletic Association and Michigan Alliance for Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Death Young Partners.

Since 1974, Meadowview School has been serving students in Eaton County who suffer from moderate to severe cognitive impairments, severe multiple impairments, autism spectrum disorders, and traumatic brain injuries, as well as providing transition services. To find out more about Meadowview School, visit www.eatonresa.org/services/meadowview.