Restart a Heart Program Benefits Families and Communities

$25,000 Invested in Heart and Stroke Foundation’s Restart a Heart Program

The Provincial Government is investing $25,000 in phase III of the Newfoundland and Labrador Heart and Stroke Foundation’s Restart a Heart program. The funding, provided through the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, will support the installation of 25 additional automated external defibrillators (AEDs) provided by the Department of Health and Community Services. The AEDs will be placed in community and recreational facilities throughout the province.

The announcement was made today by the Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, along with the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services, during an event held at the Girl Guides of Newfoundland and Labrador Headquarters in St. John’s.

“The Provincial Government is pleased to have partnered with the Heart and Stroke Foundation on this important initiative which has placed more than 170 automated external defibrillators in community facilities. This program provides an added level of security for recreational users, should a cardiac emergency arise.”
- The Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation

Training in the use of the 25 refurbished AEDs, supplied by the Department of Health and Community Services, will be provided by the Heart and Stroke Foundation to ensure staff members are able to properly administer the defibrillator in an emergency situation.

“It is wonderful to see that individuals are utilizing community and recreational facilities and equipment as part of their healthy living routine and enjoying time with their families. Our donation of this life-saving equipment is a true reflection of our government’s commitment to ensure the health, safety and well-being of residents in our province.”
- The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services

The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador exceeded its original goal of 125 AEDs in community facilities.

“Thanks to the financial contributions that we have received to date, the foundation has installed over 170 AEDs, well beyond our original goal of 125. In the final stage of our three-stage program, we are working with community centres across Newfoundland and Labrador in order to better prepare them in the event that a cardiac arrest occurs at their location.”
- Steve Tessier, Past-Chair, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to supporting important social programs, strong communities and the health and well-being of children, families and seniors.

QUICK FACTS

• Support of $25,000, along with 25 AEDs will allow for the completion of the final phase of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Restart a Heart Program.
• Since 2010, the Provincial Government has invested a total of $225,000 in the Restart a Heart Program.
• Approximately 170 automated external defibrillators have been installed in local recreation and community facilities, swimming pools and schools through the Restart a Heart Program.
• Budget 2013: A Sound Plan, A Secure Future provides $7.7 million to support recreation and sport in the province.

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2013 11 06                               9:50 a.m.