Purpose in Action: Julie West’s Fight to Protect Hearts Across the Nation

Last year, the bipartisan HEARTS Act was signed into law, a historic step toward saving lives through heart health education and emergency preparedness in schools.

This week, TC Member and founder of the Play for Jake Foundation, Julie West, joined the American Heart Association and state advocates in Washington, D.C. for Hearts on the Hill, where she spoke and shared her story in front of members of Congress to help secure funding for this lifesaving law. (Pictured with Representative Frank Mrvan, who represents Indiana’s 1st District and has been an incredible supporter of this work.)

This funding will strengthen the chain of survival in K–12 schools nationwide by providing federal assistance for:• CPR and AED training for students, staff, and coaches• The purchase of AEDs• The development of cardiac emergency response plans (CERPs) to reduce deaths from sudden cardiac arrest.

Here in Indiana, this initiative has already become law thanks to Julie’s unrelenting advocacy, known as Jake’s Law, effective July 1, 2025, a powerful example of how advocacy, collaboration, and community can create real change.

Julie, your leadership continues to inspire and remind us what’s possible when purpose meets persistence.