To kick off National Heart Month, CHI St. Luke’s Health-Memorial Lufkin employees presented a check for $2,500 to the Angelina County Heart Alliance for their efforts in providing automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to area schools and civic groups.
“One of our main goals is to educate our county; all the proceeds we collect goes back to Angelina County,” ACHA Vice President Jarrad Grumbles said. “…I would love for all of the people of Angelina County know CPR and know where an AED is, to know when to call 911, and get the patient to the hospital to get the care they need.”
With the money donated, Grumbles said the Heart Alliance will give an AED to the Boys and Girls Club in Diboll.
“Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone; we actually see it a lot in our younger people. That’s why we attempt to put an AED in all of our schools in Angelina County,” Grumbles said. “There have been national reports of younger people suddenly, a lot of them are doing activities for the first time, and they didn’t realize they had a heart problem when they collapse. An AED, if used very quickly, can really change the chances of someone surviving. We’re very excited about that.”
CHI St. Luke’s Health’s staff also wore red Friday to bring awareness to heart health on National Wear Red Day.
“I think it is awesome that we’re able to give back to our community,” Grumbles said. “A lot of times when you make donations they go to bigger organizations; we’re happy all of our money stays in Angelina County.”
