Just in time for the start of the 2022-2023 school year, Living for Zachary made its largest AED donation to date with 26 AEDs donated to middle and high schools in the Arlington Independent School District! These AEDs will be used to replace current devices in need of updates or provide additional coverage for athletic events on and off campus.
“Living for Zachary is honored to partner with Arlington ISD to bring these new AEDs to 15 school campuses,” said Jessica Cook, Living for Zachary Executive Director. “It is absolutely crucial that the spaces our kids go to learn each day are equipped with life-saving tools that can give their hearts a second chance during a cardiac emergency. Large-scale donations like this make our communities stronger and safer, and we are proud to play a part in helping to protect the hearts of students, staff, faculty, and families of Arlington ISD.”
In total, 15 schools in Arlington ISD will be served by these new devices, including:
- Sam Houston High School
- Arlington Lamar High School
- James Bowie High School
- Juan Seguin High School
- Arlington High School
- Bailey Junior High
- Barnett Junior High
- Gunn Junior High
- Workman Junior High
- Nichols Junior High
- Carter Junior High
- Boles Junior High
- Young Junior High
- Ousley Junior High
- Shackelford Junior High
This large donation will cover 100% of Arlington ISD middle schools and most high schools, serving approximately 28,438 students in the district in addition to staff and school personnel.
On August 31st, Living for Zachary Board of Directors member Jim Hemmingway (Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital – McKinney), visited Arlington ISD athletic trainers to present the AEDs and explain the importance of easy access to these devices, as Parent Heart Watch reports sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death on school campuses and the #1 killer of student athletes.
Equipping our schools with adequate AEDs is critical to saving lives from sudden cardiac arrest, and Living for Zachary is committed to continuing to work with Texas school districts to give as many hearts as possible a second chance.