Advocate Spotlight: Hailey Yentz

As a Division I athlete at East Carolina University, Hailey Yentz was focused on school, sports, and her future. Everything changed when she suffered a sudden cardiac arrest during a workout. Thanks to athletic trainers who quickly recognized the emergency, started CPR, and used a nearby AED, Hailey survived.

In the months that followed, doctors diagnosed Hailey with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), a heart condition she never knew she had. The diagnosis meant stepping away from the sport she loved and learning to live with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). While the experience changed her life, it also introduced her to a community of survivors, families, healthcare professionals, and advocates working to prevent similar events.

When she learned about North Carolina’s Smart Heart Act, Hailey wanted to help. The legislation would improve cardiac emergency preparedness in schools, something she understands the importance of firsthand. She shared her story with lawmakers, spoke at a press conference, and joined advocates from across the state in support of the bill.

Some of her strongest memories from the campaign have nothing to do with hearings or votes. Instead, she remembers walking through the Legislative Building alongside other survivors and families affected by sudden cardiac arrest.

“We all came from different backgrounds, but we shared one mission—to make schools safer,” Hailey said. “Seeing so many people unite for one goal gave me hope that our voices really could make a difference.”

When the Smart Heart Act passed in July 2026, Hailey felt overwhelmed with gratitude. “I thought about the students this law could protect and the families whose lives could be forever changed because schools are now better prepared for a cardiac emergency. Knowing our voices helped make that happen is something I’ll always be proud of”, she said. She has continued her advocacy by joining the North Carolina State Advocacy Committee, where she hopes to help advance policies that improve health and save lives.

Her message to anyone considering advocacy is simple: “You don’t have to be an expert or have all the answers. Your story has power, and sharing your experiences can create real change.”