Help Save the Rural AED Program!

President Obama has zeroed out funding in his FY 2016 budget for HRSA’s Rural and Community Access to Emergency Devices Program—the program designed to save lives from cardiac arrest with automated external defibrillators (AEDs).

Now it is up to Congress to restore funding for this life-saving program. The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation, a member of the Ad Hoc Coalition To Save Lives Through Public Access to Defibrillation spearheaded by the American Heart Association, asks you to contact your legislators today and urge them to help restore funding for this vital program.

The program helps buy and place AEDs in rural communities and trains first responders and lay rescuers in their use. The program ensures those who live in rural areas or small towns have access to the tools that give them the best chance of surviving a cardiac arrest, but the program currently only has the resources to operate in 12 states. 

Shouldn’t people in every state be given the best shot at surviving a cardiac arrest? Communities with aggressive AED placements have increased survival rates from about 11% to nearly 40%—an incredible improvement! But first responders, churches, recreation facilities and others in 38 states are still waiting for funds for this life-saving program. 

Deadlines in Congress are looming, so please contact your elected officials TODAY. 

Thank you for your support!