Columbus County Schools Implement Life-Saving Cardiac Emergency Programs Inspired by Local Boy’s Journey
Columbus County, North Carolina – Driven by the personal experience of a local family, Columbus County Schools are implementing critical cardiac emergency programs to enhance student and staff safety. The initiative, spurred by the diagnosis of one-year-old Jon David Furlow with a congenital heart defect, aims to prepare schools to respond effectively to cardiac arrest events.
A Family’s Journey Sparks Change
Jon David Furlow was born with a congenital heart defect, a condition affecting approximately one in every 100 babies [WECT]. His parents, Mallory and Justin Furlow, discovered the issue during a maternal-fetal medicine appointment at 12 weeks gestation. The family has spent approximately ten months of the past year at Duke University Hospital, navigating the challenges of Jon David’s condition, which requires 24 doses of medication daily and ongoing therapy [WECT].
Despite the ongoing medical needs and the lifelong journey ahead, the Furlows are channeling their experience into a positive force for change. As teachers within the Columbus County Schools system, they spearheaded the introduction of Project Adam to their colleagues and students.
Project Adam: Creating Heart-Safe Schools
Project Adam is a national program focused on creating heart-safe schools by ensuring preparedness for cardiac emergencies [WECT]. According to Dr. Heather Pigott, Columbus County School student services director, a heart-safe school has a well-trained team capable of rapid response during a student’s cardiac arrest. This includes strategically placed Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and adherence to a comprehensive checklist of requirements [WECT].
The Duke cardiac team plays a crucial role in the certification process, monitoring drills and ensuring schools meet the necessary standards. East Columbus High School and Columbus County Career and College Academy have already achieved Heart Safe Certification through Project Adam, with additional schools expected to follow suit by the complete of the semester [WECT]. Schools in neighboring Pender and New Hanover counties have also been certified.
Supporting Jon David’s Journey
The Furlow family is documenting Jon David’s journey with his congenital heart defect through a YouTube channel, @JonDavidsJourney [DuckDuckGo]. A GoFundMe campaign, Support Jon David’s Heart Journey [DuckDuckGo], is also active to help offset the costs associated with his ongoing medical care.
“I hate that we’ve had to go through this. I hate that any family has to go through this, but the fact we’re able to have some positive out of this, we are incredibly happy about,” said Justin Furlow [WECT].