Henry Jampel, MD, MHS, has concluded his tenure as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation, having served in this role for seven years. Dr. Jampel is the Odd Fellows Professor of Ophthalmology at the Wilmer Eye Institute of the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.
On May 16th, 2000, at the age of 44, and seven months after completion of the Ironman Triathlon World Championship in Hawaii, Henry had a cardiac arrest in the shower after a swim workout. After 27 minutes of CPR by four fellow swimmers who were also physicians, he was successfully defibrillated, a striking example of the exception that proves the rule.
Henry relishes in his full recovery from his cardiac arrest, and like most survivors, is passionate about reducing avoidable deaths from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). For example, he testified in 2006 in the Maryland Senate for a bill mandating AEDs in all high schools in the state and was thrilled that the bill passed.
Since 2017, he worked with vision and tenacity to lead the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation in its quest to raise awareness of SCA and help save lives through education, research, and community support. During his tenure, the Foundation:
- Became the “go-to” source for SCA information
- Conducted SCA awareness and messaging research among consumers
- Co-launched the Call-Push-Shock movement
- Facilitated multiple research studies related to SCA survivorship with leading universities and academic hospitals
- Garnered attention in multiple national news outlets
- Launched the Cardiac Arrest Survivor Alliance
- Joined the Smart Heart Sports Coalition
- Supported state and federal legislation designed to improve cognitively intact SCA survival.
"It has been an honor and privilege to work with Henry over the years," said Mary Newman, SCAF President. "We are thrilled that he will continue to serve on the Board."
Dr. Joseph Farrell will succeed Dr. Jampel as Chair.