Cheney Cardiovascular Institute makes a donation that could save a life.

Food & Friends wants to recognize and thank the Cheney Cardiovascular Institute at The George Washington University for its generous donation of two Automatic External Defibrillators (AED). This gift will help us protect our staff, volunteers and guests from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). SCA is the nation’s leading cause of death and is the result of an electrical disruption in the heart, causing a very rapid and very faint beat, preventing the circulation of blood and oxygen to the rest of the body. The AED was given to Food & Friends through the ReStart DC program, which also provided training on how to use and maintain the device. AEDs are easy to use and speed the response to SCA victims while awaiting emergency services. 

In March, Food & Friends staff members had the opportunity to attend First-Aid, CPR and AED trainings. Participating staff members are now aware of where the AED is located and have the basic skills that may save a life or prevent further injury. Food & Friends will be holding additional trainings for staff members unable to attend the first two dates. The presence of an AED here at Food & Friends is a reminder that a healthy heart is critical to our overall health, and we urge our entire community to make wise eating, exercise and lifestyle choices. Furthermore, we all play a role in responding to sudden cardiac arrest. If we see someone collapse, please get help, call 9-1-1, start CPR and get the AED.

Food & Friends staff showing off their CPR/First Aid certificates