Milwaukee Public Schools Celebrates 20 Years of Cardiac Safety Partnership

Project ADAM program has saved over 250 lives nationwide and 10 lives within the district

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) has highlighted its 20-year partnership with Project ADAM, a nonprofit focused on preventing sudden cardiac arrest. MPS is now considered a model for urban school districts across the nation in terms of cardiac safety, with 119 sites completing over 500 automated external defibrillator (AED) drills last school year alone. The partnership has saved 10 lives within the district, including 3 children and 7 adults.

Why it matters

Sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death in the United States, and schools play a crucial role in preparedness and response. MPS's long-standing partnership with Project ADAM demonstrates a commitment to student and staff safety, and positions the district as a leader in this important public health initiative.

The details

Project ADAM strives to prevent death from sudden cardiac arrest by promoting the use of AEDs and providing training on their use. MPS has been a partner since 2005, and the district is now known as a cardiac safety "model for urban school districts across the nation." Last school year, 119 MPS sites completed four or more AED drills, with over 500 drills completed district-wide.

  • MPS has partnered with Project ADAM since 2005.
  • Last school year, 119 MPS sites completed four or more AED drills.
  • Project ADAM has spread to over 49 affiliates in 33 states and has saved more than 250 lives nationwide.

The players

Project ADAM

A nonprofit organization focused on preventing death from sudden cardiac arrest by promoting the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and providing training on their use.

Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS)

The largest school district in Wisconsin, which has partnered with Project ADAM since 2005 and is now considered a model for urban school districts in terms of cardiac safety.

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The takeaway

MPS's long-standing partnership with Project ADAM demonstrates a commitment to student and staff safety, and positions the district as a leader in this important public health initiative. The program's success in saving lives within the district and serving as a model for other urban school systems highlights the critical role schools can play in preparedness and response to sudden cardiac emergencies.