MHP Makes Donation to Mahaska Community Recreation Foundation

Mahaska Health Partnership recently facilitated the purchase of two automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) for the Mahaska Community Recreation Foundation. Shown presenting the AEDs are, from left: Mahaska Community Recreation Foundation Board President John Pothoven, MHP CEO Jay Christensen, MHP Director of Home Health, Hospice and Public Health Travis Johnson, MCRF Executive Director Sherry Vavra and MCRF Manager of Recreation Services Kate Van Gilst.

MAHASKA COUNTY –Mahaska Health Partnership facilitated the purchase of two additional automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) for the Lacey Recreation Complex. Employees also donated $630 for maintenance of the machines.

Sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death in the US. 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 advice the rescuer when a shock is needed.

“AEDs are designed for the layperson,” MHP CEO Jay Christensen 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 Christensen, MHP employees have a great commitment to the success of the Lacey Recreation Complex, as many of their children and grandchildren play sports there and family members of all ages come out to cheer them on. “Two years ago, our employees raised enough money to purchase two AEDs, which are currently located at the complex. We’ve also provided free education regarding how the machines work.”

Christensen said when Mahaska Community Recreation Foundation (MCRF) Executive Director Sherry Vavra approached the hospital because the foundation wanted two additional AEDs (one for the soccer field and one for the Babe Ruth baseball field), MHP agreed to help and began gearing up for another major fundraiser.

Upon hearing of the health system’s plans, Travis Johnson, MHP’s new director of Home Health, Hospice and Public Health, said there was grant money available from the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) to purchase the AEDs. Johnson, who recently moved to Oskaloosa from Mount Pleasant, was the former director of Public Health at the local hospital and had helped secure AEDs for that community.

“We were able to use grant money to purchase two AEDs and the mounted security boxes that hold them,” Christensen said. “MHP also sponsored a jean’s day, raising $630. Those funds have been designated to help pay for maintenance of the AEDs, as adult and pediatric pads need to be replaced every 12-18 months and are quite expensive.”

“After the success of installing the first two AED machines MHP donated at the softball fields and stadium, we were thankful for their assistance to facilitate the purchase of two additional machines,” Vavra said. “We were even more excited that employees donated another $630 to be sure we’d have funds to replace the pads! They also provided education to our staff and coaches about how the machines work. MCRF gives a big thank you to MHP and the staff!”

Christensen said MHP employees remain passionate about supporting projects that benefit the communities they serve. “When it comes to the health and wellness of our communities, MHP employees are generous with their volunteer time and donations, continuing to make healthcare personal both in and out of the workplace.”

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, visit mahaskahealth.org.

Posted by on Mar 29 2017. Filed under Local Businesses, Local News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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