Sep 11, 2024Atrium Health partners with Greg Olsen Foundation to donate AEDs to Charlotte area
Atrium Health is making a substantial donation of life-saving devices to every partnering school in the greater Charlotte area.
With the support of the Greg Olsen Foundation, and in partnership with DeFibtech, the donation of 89 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) ensures that athletic trainers at local schools have vital life-saving equipment at their fingertips during practices and games.
Jennifer Gardner, RN, MBA/MHA, and Assistant VP of Outreach at the Atrium Health Musculoskeletal Institute, helps to lead the effort to ensure that schools are equipped with the tools needed to protect the health and well-being of student-athletes.
“Athletic trainers are a vital part of the healthcare landscape and make a difference in the lives of student-athletes. They need access to the tools that allow them to perform their job at the highest level possible,” Jennifer said. “AEDs save lives, and the athletes, coaches, staff and spectators are safer when life-threatening emergencies happen on the sidelines.”
An AED is a portable device that diagnoses a potentially fatal heart rhythm, and then delivers an electric shock to the heart, helping to restore its normal rhythm. The availability, in addition to the ease of use of this equipment, is critical in cases of sudden collapse of athletes, or even for fans and staff at games. The AEDs donated — one additional for each partner school — will ensure that every campus has access to this life-saving technology. With AEDs typically costing between $1,000 and $2,000, this donation is a major investment in the safety of athletes and spectators alike.
The need for an AED is not common, but in 90% of the cases where one is needed, there is not one readily accessible. By having an AED readily accessible, the chance of saving a life from a sudden cardiac arrest is greatly improved.
“In many ways, it’s like an Epipen for someone with a true life-threatening allergy,” explained David Price, MD Atrium Health Medical Director of Athletic Training for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. “You want immediate access to it if you need it, but you hope that need never arises.”
Atrium Health’s commitment to high-quality care for athletes is deeply supported by its long-standing partnership with the Greg Olsen Foundation. This collaboration has also been crucial in implementing initiatives like the Atrium Health Levine Children’s HEARTest Yard Congenital Heart Center, which provides support for families of children born with congenital heart conditions.
The ongoing relationship with the Olsens continues to enhance the resources and donations available to schools, furthering the mission to safeguard student-athletes.
For parents, this most recent donation means peace of mind.
“With any cardiac event, immediate access to care and treatment is vital and potentially life-saving,” Jennifer emphasized. “By having an AED on site because it’s dedicated to athletics, parents can rest easy knowing there will be no delay.”
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As Atrium Health serves as The Official Health Care Provider for Greater Charlotte area schools, the focus remains on ensuring that athletes have access to the best care possible.
“Student-athlete health is our responsibility,” Jennifer said. “We take great pride in the medical and orthopedic care we provide, both on and off the field.”
For more information about Atrium Health Orthopedic and Sports Medicine services or to schedule an appointment, visit Atrium Health Sports Medicine. *This is an issued press release from Atrium Health.
