NEA Baptist donates AEDs to schools

JONESBORO, Ark. (KAIT) - Four area schools received travel-automated external defibrillators from the NEA Baptist Charitable Foundation.

A representative from the Jonesboro, Riverside, Bay, and Harrisburg school districts was present at a ceremony on Wednesday to receive the AEDs.

Kim Provost, executive director of the NEA Baptist Charitable Foundation, said the donations were made through the Luke Brodell AED Fund.

Provost said the travel AEDs can be a life-saving difference to the schools.

“They are designed to go with you, so our area sports teams can take those where there is one there, readily available if something were to happen. It’s in a bright-colored case, and they’ll be able to identify it and grab it quickly,” she said.

Jonesboro School Superintendent Dr. Kim Willbanks said it could make a difference for its athletes, especially when they travel.

“We know how critical and how important it is that AEDs are available, and nobody ever wants to have to use one, but in case you do, it’s just critical that it’s available,” she said.

Each travel AED can cost up to $1,500.

Provost said that the donations made sure every school in Craighead County had a travel AED available.

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