Perth Amboy Complex Installs New Cardiac Equipment

A new automated external defibrillator has been placed at the Veterans Memorial Youth Complex to improve emergency access.

Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Heart Disease

Bold vector illustration of a modern metal medical cabinet on a brick wall, representing public emergency access at a community facility. — The Veterans Memorial Youth Complex in Perth Amboy has installed a new automated external defibrillator and temperature-controlled storage station to improve emergency response. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Veterans Memorial Youth Complex in Perth Amboy unveiled a new automated external defibrillator and a temperature-controlled SaveStation. The life-saving equipment was donated by the John Taylor Babbitt Foundation and the Sarah Katz Foundation.

Why it matters

The installation occurred during Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month to address the risk of sudden cardiac deaths among youth. This effort aligns with ongoing legislative work to improve emergency preparedness in schools and community centers.

The CDC estimates that 2,000 Americans under age 25 die from sudden cardiac arrest each year. While the HEARTS Act authorizes a $50 million federal grant allocation for AEDs and training, no federal funding has been released to date.

The players

Frank Pallone Jr.

He is a U.S. Representative serving as an advocate for the HEARTS Act and federal funding for school-based cardiac emergency resources.

John Taylor Babbitt Foundation

This organization focuses on preventing sudden cardiac arrest in youth through equipment donations and public awareness initiatives.

Sarah Katz Foundation

This group supports initiatives that provide cardiac emergency tools and training to schools and community athletic facilities.

Kittim Sherrod

He was a 17-year-old student who died from cardiac arrest during track practice in 2009, sparking local advocacy for improved safety equipment.

The details

The new equipment at the Veterans Memorial Youth Complex includes a specialized station designed to protect the device from the elements. This installation follows years of advocacy stemming from the 2009 death of 17-year-old Kittim Sherrod, who collapsed during track practice at Edison High School.

Kittim Sherrod died from cardiac arrest during track practice in 2009.
Former President Joe Biden signed the HEARTS Act into law in December 2024.
Representative Frank Pallone Jr. first renewed his call for HEARTS Act funding in March 2026.
Cardiac equipment was unveiled at the Perth Amboy facility in October 2026.

Health Landscape

The installation of this equipment reflects the national objectives established by the HEARTS Act. This development highlights the transition from local advocacy to a structured federal framework for preventing sudden cardiac death among young people.

The availability of this equipment ensures that visitors to the youth complex have immediate access to life-saving technology during a cardiac event. Residents and parents can now utilize these units if an emergency occurs, potentially bridging the critical window before medical personnel arrive.

The takeaway

Sudden cardiac arrest can occur unexpectedly in young, active individuals. Having accessible, climate-controlled defibrillators in public athletic spaces is a vital step in improving survival rates for the community.