Mahaska Health Partnership Donates AEDs to Lacey Recreation Complex
Two AEDs were purchased for the Lacey Recreation Complex with proceeds from fundraisers sponsored at Mahaska Health Partnership in recognition of National Heart Health Month. Shown at Lacey are, from left: MHP Marketing and Development Director Cathy Stahl, MHP CEO Jay Christensen, Mahaska Community Recreation Foundation Board President John Pothoven and Executive Director Sherry Vavra, and MHP Cardiac Rehabilitation Nurse Renee Edgar.
MAHASKA COUNTY – Employees at Mahaska Health Partnership wanted to do something special to recognize National Heart Health Month in February. They ended up raising enough money to purchase two AEDs (automated external defibrillator) for the Lacey Recreation Complex in Oskaloosa.
According to MHP Cardiac Rehabilitation Nurse Renee Edgar, sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. It can happen to anyone at anytime and at any age. AEDs are computerized medical devices that can check a person’s heart rhythm and advise the rescuer when a shock is needed.
“AEDs are designed for the layperson,” Edgar explained. “It uses voice prompts, lights and text messages to tell what steps to take. The American Heart Association supports placing AEDs in targeted pubic areas such as sports arenas.”
According to Edgar, the idea of an employee fundraising campaign to purchase AEDs for the Lacey Recreation Complex came from a physician on MHP’s Medical Staff. “So many of our employees have children who utilize Lacey and it is a gathering place for people of all ages.”
Edgar worked with MHP’s Marketing Department and CEO Jay Christensen to help get word out regarding the fundraiser. A Jeans Day was held, employees were able to payroll deduct a contribution and free-will donations were requested.
“Our goal was to raise enough money for one AED, but the response was so overwhelming from our physicians, medical professionals and staff, we were able to purchase two,” Edgar explained.
“While this was an employee fundraiser, people in the community heard about it and wanted to contribute. We received generous donations from The Hair Designers, Farm Bureau in Oskaloosa and several other community members who understand the importance of having AEDs available because they themselves are cardiac rehabilitation patients.”
Edgar worked with MHP’s Materials Management Department to purchase new, high quality AEDs, along with special storage cabinets. “Working with the Mahaska Community Recreation Foundation, we’ve determined where the AEDs will be placed, and the next step is to provide training on how to use them.”
Mahaska Health Partnership, located in Oskaloosa, is a non-profit health system accredited by the Joint Commission. It is guided by its mission to provide exceptional customer service and health improvement, linking the science of medicine with the humanity of compassionate care. For more information about how Mahaska Health Partnership is making healthcare personal, call 641.672.3240 or visit www.mahaskahealth.org.
