Healthcare Foundation of La Porte (HFL) provides grants for lifesaving automated external defibrillators (AEDs) through its When Seconds Count: AED Initiative. HFL is accepting applications for AED grants from nonprofit organizations, schools, and government entities in La Porte County from February 14, 2023, through March 31, 2023.
To be eligible, applicants must be a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, school, or governmental entity. Applicants can learn more and access the grant portal to apply at https://www.hflaporte.org/when-seconds-count-aed.
Importance of AEDs
AEDs are critical to increasing survival from sudden cardiac arrest. According to the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation, sudden cardiac arrest affects 1,000 people per day in the United States. Only one in ten people who experience sudden cardiac arrest outside of a hospital survive. Survival rates increase to 3 in 10 when people nearby perform CPR and to 5 in 10 when bystanders perform CPR and use an AED. Seemingly healthy people of all ages, even children and teens, can experience sudden cardiac arrest. Survival depends on the fast actions of bystanders calling 911, starting CPR, and using an AED as soon as possible.
In addition to AED grants, HFL works in partnership with the La Porte County AED Collective to provide guidance on AED education and maintenance and to monitor the locations of AEDs in our community. For more information about the La Porte County AED Collective, please visit https://laporteco.in.gov/departments-online/emergency-medical-services/aed/.
HFL opens the AED grant application process in February to coincide with American Heart Month. Maria Fruth, HFL’s President & CEO explained, “When Seconds Count: AED Initiative is near and dear to HFL’s heart as we empower La Porte County residents to live healthy and well. HFL has aligned its AED grant application process to kick off in February – on Valentine’s Day – to raise awareness of sudden cardiac arrest and the importance of AEDs in saving lives.”
HFL also provides funding to the City of La Porte Fire Department (LPFD) to help them offer free CPR classes to the community. Since 2017, LPFD has trained over 1,400 people in CPR. To register for one of the monthly free CPR classes, contact LPFD at lpfdcpr@gmail.com, call 219-362-3456, or visit https://www.cityoflaporte.com/departments/fire/cpr-classes.
Apply Now Through March 31 for HFL’s When Seconds Count: AED Grants
To apply for an AED grant, organizations must complete an application available on HFL’s grant portal, accessible via https://www.hflaporte.org.
Previous When Seconds Count: AED grantees have shared positive feedback about the application process. Rachel Boulahanis, manager for planning and outreach at the La Porte Municipal Airport, stated, “This grant is a fantastic resource for organizations to obtain life-saving AED's. The application process was simple, straightforward, and stress-free.”
Interim Executive Director Deb Varnak of Stepping Stone Shelter for Women echoed those sentiments. “The grant process was easy with minimal requirements. It has allowed us to have lifesaving equipment at our fingertips at a time when we could not have purchased this on our own.”
“We know that placing AEDs in key places in the community saves lives. We want to ensure that La Porte County nonprofits, schools, and government organizations have access to AEDs, cabinets, and appropriate signage,” Fruth said.
Through its When Seconds Count: AED Initiative, HFL has awarded 137 AEDs, along with cabinets and signage, totaling over $276,000 in La Porte County since 2017. HFL’s investment in its When Seconds Count: AED Initiative to date is part of the over $36 million the foundation has invested in the La Porte County community since initiating operations in 2017. To learn more about HFL, its grants, and community impact, please visit HFL’s website at hflaporte.org.