FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Cynthia Kirkhart
Phone: (304) 523-6029
Email: cyndi@facinghunger.org
UK King’s Daughters donates AED to Facing Hunger Foodbank
Huntington, WV – A recent generous gift from UK King’s Daughters following a successful application from Facing Hunger Foodbank will assist in their efforts to make their Huntington warehouse safer in the event of a future emergency. Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are medical devices that can deliver an electrical shock to an individual suffering from sudden cardiac arrest, a condition that affects more than 350,000 Americans each year. Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when the heart stops beating regularly. Only about 10 percent of people who experience a sudden cardiac arrest outside of a hospital setting survive.
“We understand that the health and well-being of our team as well as volunteers assisting us at the food bank makes the magic happen. This gracious gift of a device that can make the difference in sustaining the life of someone we care for is a great relief, and further solidifies our partnership with UK King’s Daughters,” said Facing Hunger CEO Cynthia Kirkhart.
King’s Daughters Health Foundation oversaw the application and donation process. The Philips HeartStart defibrillator kits include the defibrillator, two batteries, adult and pediatric pads, and a case. AEDs work by analyzing abnormal heart rhythms and, if appropriate, delivering a shock to restore a normal heartbeat.
“We are so excited to get an AED for Facing Hunger Foodbank. Many organizations that have received an AED from our Health Foundation inform us later how it was used to save a life,” said UK King’s Daughters Executive Director of Community Engagement Scott Hill.
UK King’s Daughters has donated hundreds of AEDs to police, fire and rescue services, community organizations and churches. UK King’s Daughters CPR Training Center personnel will provide training to Facing Hunger Foodbank staff and perform maintenance checks for the existing AEDs.