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Kiwanis Club donates AEDs to Laurel schools
May 22, 2009
By Lacey Walters, Laurel School District
March 09, 2009 12:57 pm
— Over the past several years, schools across the nation have had the misfortunate tragedy of losing students to heart complications that could have possibly been saved with the assistance of technologically advanced equipment such as an automated electronic defibrillator. To assist local school systems with the much needed, expensive AEDs, Kiwanis Club of Laurel set a goal of placing 33 AEDs total in the Laurel, Jones County and Covington County school districts.
The project, totaling approximately $55,000, is a three to five year commitment. With the help of Sanderson Farms, a venture grant from the United Way, and several anonymous donors, the Kiwanis Club of Laurel has already purchased several AEDs and has money on hand to purchase seven more.
“It’s been part of our company culture to identify needs in the community, and be a part of satisfying those needs,” said Bob Billingsly, director of development and engineering at Sanderson Farms. “There was a need here at the schools, and we wanted to play a part in providing this life-saving equipment.”
Though some funds are already available for purchasing additional AEDs, fund-raising efforts will continue to reach the 33 AED goal.
The Kiwanis Club of Laurel’s 33 AED goal is part of a district goal, which calls for over 25,000 AEDs to be placed in schools in Mississippi, Louisiana and West Tennessee.
“Our main goal is to serve the children, and this is a way we felt we could serve the children of this community, by providing life-saving equipment in schools,” said AED project coordinator Barbara Johnson. “In addition to student safety, the AEDs provide the additional benefit of being a life-saving tool for staff and visitors.”
“We hope they are never used, but the tools are here if ever needed to save a life,” Billingsly added.
The first donation of four AEDs was recently made to the Laurel School District. One AED was placed at Laurel High School near the main office, one at the LHS Career and Technical Center, one in the LHS weight room and one was placed at Jones Middle School. District administrators and certain staff will be provided training through the local chapter of the American Red Cross.
“We are grateful to the Kiwanis Club of Laurel for providing such a valuable tool for our schools,” said Superintendent Dr. Glenn McGee.
Anyone interested in making a donation toward the Kiwanis Club of Laurel’s 33 AED goal, may contact Barbara Johnson at 601-428-8459.
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