Clark Middle School staff display the Project ADAM Heart Safe School banner, showcasing their certification, in the hallway at Clark Middle School in May, 2026.

 

Clark Middle School has become the first HEART SAFE school in the state of Alaska, earning official certification through the Alaska Children’s Heart Center, a Project ADAM affiliate.

The HEART SAFE designation recognizes schools that demonstrate strong cardiac emergency preparedness through staff training, awareness, and practiced response protocols. Schools must meet standards outlined in the Heart Safe School Program Checklist, reflecting a commitment to student, staff, and community safety.

As part of the certification process, Clark Middle School developed a comprehensive Emergency Response Plan with step-by-step procedures for responding to cardiac emergencies during school hours, after-school activities, and community events held on campus.

The school also established a trained medical response team certified in CPR, AED use, and First Aid. Team members successfully completed emergency response drills and met required response timelines. Required lifesaving equipment, coordination procedures, and documentation are maintained onsite and routinely monitored.

Clark demonstrated all required certification components through the Alaska Project ADAM Affiliate led by Dr. Wellmann’s office at the Alaska Children’s Heart Center.

“This achievement reflects Clark Middle School’s dedication to protecting the health and safety of its students, staff, and community,” said Clark Middle School Nurse Stacey Fuccillo.

The certification marks an important milestone for school safety efforts in Alaska and highlights Clark Middle School’s leadership in emergency preparedness.