Blue Ridge Middle School Earns Prestigious Project ADAM Heart Safe School Designation

Blue Ridge Middle School is proud to announce that it has been officially designated a Virginia Project ADAM Heart Safe School, a prestigious recognition that highlights the school’s unwavering commitment to the health, safety, and well-being of students, staff, and visitors.

The designation is part of Project ADAM, a nationally recognized program focused on preventing sudden cardiac death in schools through education, awareness, preparation, and rapid emergency response. Schools earning this status must meet rigorous standards, including the development of a comprehensive cardiac emergency response plan, staff training in CPR and AED use, regular emergency drills, and clear access to lifesaving equipment throughout the building.

“On February 26, 2026, I am proud to announce that our school has achieved a national certification as a Heart Safe School through Project ADAM,” said MaryAnn Stetter, School Nurse at Blue Ridge Middle School. “This certification reflects an extraordinary level of preparedness and teamwork.”

Project ADAM was established in 1999 after the tragic death of a 17-year-old student, Adam Lemel, who suffered sudden cardiac arrest while playing basketball. Defibrillation using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) could have saved his life. In Adam’s memory, his parents partnered with Children’s Hospital to create Project ADAM, with the goal of ensuring schools across the nation are prepared to respond to cardiac emergencies.

While Blue Ridge Middle School already had many safety measures in place, completing the certification process required significant coordination and community support. A key requirement was the formation of a dedicated Cardiac Emergency Response Team and the completion of annual emergency drills. Additionally, at least 10 percent of staff members must be certified in First Aid, CPR, and AED use.

Thanks to a generous grant from the Blue Ridge Middle School PTO, eleven additional staff members became certified. The PTO has committed to continuing this grant every two years to ensure the school remains compliant with Project ADAM requirements.

Another essential requirement involved AED accessibility and visibility. With assistance from Mr. Tompkins, who utilized a 3D printer, the school installed professional signage throughout the building to ensure that AED locations are clearly marked and easy to find in an emergency.

“This achievement represents far more than a title,” said Brion Bell, Principal of Blue Ridge Middle School. “It reflects countless hours of preparation, collaboration, and dedication by our school nurse, staff, administrators, and community partners. We are incredibly proud of the teamwork that made this possible.”

Blue Ridge Middle School plans to maintain its Heart Safe School certification annually, ensuring continued readiness to respond quickly and effectively in the event of a cardiac emergency.

“It truly takes a team to achieve this level of preparedness,” Stetter added. “I am deeply grateful for the dedication and commitment of everyone involved.”