Messiah University Men's Basketball and The Peyton Walker Foundation collaborated to host Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) Awareness Night, focusing on the prevalence of SCA among student athletes and the importance of awareness and preparedness. The Foundation donated an AED cabinet to the Messiah Athletics Department, emphasizing the critical need for CPR and AED education.

Why It Matters

This collaboration highlights the increasing conversations around SCA, particularly in the context of high-profile athletes and the alarming statistics making it the #1 killer of student athletes in the U.S. Prioritizing the health of student-athletes and raising awareness is crucial, especially with the evident impact and relevance of SCA in the sports community.

By the Numbers
  • SCA is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S., with over 600,000 cases annually
  • SCA is the #1 killer of student athletes in the U.S., and the leading cause of death on school campuses
  • Survival rates of SCA are less than 10%
State of Play
  • The partnership between Messiah University Men's Basketball and The Peyton Walker Foundation signifies a proactive approach in addressing the prevalence of SCA among student athletes and the critical need for awareness and preparedness
  • The escalating conversations and efforts to raise awareness of SCA exemplify a growing initiative to prioritize the health and safety of student athletes
What's Next

Future developments may include an increased focus on SCA education, training, and resources for student-athletes, as well as potential collaborations between other athletic programs and organizations to address similar health and safety concerns.

Bottom Line

The collaboration between Messiah University Men's Basketball and The Peyton Walker Foundation underscores the urgency of addressing SCA awareness and preparedness among student athletes, reflecting a proactive and potentially impactful initiative in prioritizing the health and safety of youth engaged in sports.