HSHS St. John's Foundation Donated Ten AEDs
Ten local organizations received life-saving defibrillators through a dedicated community program.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Philanthropy
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HSHS St. John's Foundation has distributed ten automated external defibrillators to a variety of community organizations. These devices were awarded to help bystanders manage sudden cardiac arrest incidents until professional medical help arrives.
Why it matters
The donation aims to bridge critical time gaps during cardiac emergencies in public spaces. By increasing the availability of AEDs, the program ensures that more local sites are prepared to provide life-saving support during a crisis.
Ten organizations were selected to receive AED units and supplemental training from MedicsFirst. The devices are designed to provide step-by-step guidance for bystanders performing CPR during sudden cardiac arrest.
The players
HSHS St. John's Foundation
This organization supports the health and wellness of the community through charitable giving and medical initiatives.
Rick McGraw
The Community AED Program was established in memory of this individual to honor his legacy through improved public safety.
Prairie Heart Institute
This medical facility provides specialized cardiac care and served as the venue for the device presentation.
MedicsFirst
This provider supplies the training and professional resources necessary for organizations to properly operate the donated AED units.
The details
The devices were presented at the Prairie Heart Institute to organizations including the Southern View Police Department and various churches, schools, and athletic groups. The Community AED Program, created in memory of Rick McGraw, formalized its efforts in 2023 to improve public access to cardiac emergency tools.
Timeline
The Community AED Program was formalized in 2023.
The presentation event for the devices occurred on September 22, 2026.
Market Landscape
The Community AED Program continues to expand local access to emergency equipment, following a trend of private health initiatives filling gaps in public medical preparedness. This latest donation represents a significant expansion of the program's distribution reach since its 2023 inception.
Local residents and visitors may now encounter life-saving AED equipment at ten additional public sites throughout the area. These new placements increase the likelihood that individuals can receive immediate aid during a sudden cardiac emergency.
The takeaway
Sudden cardiac arrest requires immediate intervention to improve survival chances for the victim. Residents should familiarize themselves with the locations of AEDs in their frequent community settings to be prepared for an emergency.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts in Philanthropy.
More information
For more information on how to participate in future distributions, visit the Community AED Program application form.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Illinois Times, the capital city's weekly source of news, politics, arts, entertainment, culture.
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