St. Cloud Area School District Among 31 Schools Awarded Cardiac Emergency Response Grants

(KNSI) – The St. Cloud Area School District is among 31 Minnesota districts getting a grant to improve cardiac emergency preparedness.

On Monday, the Minnesota Department of Education announced $836,000 to help schools develop and implement written cardiac emergency response plans beginning in the 2026-27 school year. MDE selected applicants based on demonstrated need for equipment and preparedness training.

“These investments strengthen the safety and well-being of our schools, especially in a cardiac medical emergency when every second counts,” said MDE Commissioner Willie Jett. “Through our partnership with Children’s Minnesota, we are providing schools with the knowledge to recognize signs of cardiac distress and building the capacity and confidence to respond effectively.”

Organizers of the program say the initiative will help equip all levels of school staff with life-saving training and a practiced emergency response plan.

The Minnesota Legislature created the Cardiac Emergency Response Plan grants during the 2025 legislative session.

Other recipients include: Annandale Public School District, Augsburg Fairview Academy, Burnsville Public Schools, Chisholm Public Schools, Cook County Schools, Cromwell Wright School, Henning Public Schools, Jackson County Central School District, Jennings Community Schools, Lake Superior School District, Lakeville Area Schools, Laura Jeffrey Academy, Le Sueur-Henderson Public School District, Long Prairie-Grey Eagle, Mankato Public Schools, Metro Deaf School, Nevis Public School, New Century School, Parkers Prairie District, Prairie Creek Community School, Princeton Public Schools, Prior Lake Savage Area Schools, Roseville Schools, Sleepy Eye Public School District, Southwest West Central Service Cooperative, Spring Lake Park Schools, Thief River Falls Public School District, Truman Public Schools, White Bear Lake Area Schools, and Windom Area Schools.

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