Automated External Defibrillators (AED) AEDs are lightweight, battery-operated, portable devices that can be a critical early life-saving piece of equipment that does not require any training. In July 2023, the foundation donated an AED to Family Promise of Greater Denver. Founded in 1997 as the Interfaith Hospitality Network of Denver, it is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization independently associated with a national organization comprised of more than 200 affiliates in 43 states. The mission of FPGD is Our mission is to form relationships with families at risk of or experiencing homelessness by providing shelter, meals, and a spectrum of supportive services as they obtain permanent stability. Their Vision is to end homelessness forever, one family at a time. Learn more about FPGD here,
Request an AEDAutomated External Defibrillators (AED) AEDs are lightweight, battery-operated, portable devices that can be a critical early life-saving piece of equipment that does not require any training. Our AED donation to The Other Side Academy is a way to stay connected with our community, and it warms our hearts to help in a small way to those in need. The Other Side Academy is a 501(c)(3) public, non-profit organization where criminals, the homeless, and substance abusers can change their lives free of charge. Their comprehensive two-year residential program offers vocational training, education, peer counseling, and mentoring, leadership training, and transitional services. Learn more about The Other Side Academy and its mission here,
Request an AEDPulse Oximeter is a small device that clips onto your finger and measures your blood’s oxygen level. Many people with COVID-19 have low oxygen levels, even when they are feeling well. Low oxygen levels can be a significant early warning sign that people need medical attention. In December of 2020, during a considerable spike in COVID cases, the SDHC foundation was honored to donate 185 pulse oximeter units to the Emergency Department at Littleton Adventist Hospital. Chief Operations Officer Geoff Lawton says, “We now have the means to discharge sub-acute COVID patients with home oxygen and an oximeter to preserve hospital capacity to continue to serve those most in need in the community.”
Automated External Defibrillator (AED) AED’s are a lightweight battery-operated, portable device that can be a critical early life-saving piece of equipment that does not require any training. When applied to the chest, this device is an intelligent machine that can evaluate and determine a lethal heart rhythm that has caused a cardiac arrest and correct the abnormal rhythm with an electrical shock. When an AED is used during a cardiac arrest in conjunction with CPR, it can increase the cardiac arrest survival rate by 40-70%. In 2019 the South Denver Heart Center Foundation donated an AED to the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver. In addition to presenting an AED, the Foundation provided a Hands-Only CPR class to all its employees.
Request an AEDHands-Only CPR classes: Nearly 350,000 cardiac arrests happen outside the hospital every year. If CPR is initiated immediately, the chance of survival can double or triple. Bystander Hands-Only CPR has been proven to save lives. Because of the Foundation’s support, our “Hands-Only CPR” courses offered monthly are free to the public. The class teaches students to recognize an unconscious victim and how to perform compression’s only CPR. Classes involve a brief lecture, watching a video, and practicing on a CPR manikin.
Take a Hands-Only CPR CourseWellness & Lifestyle Classes: Education plays an essential role for patients in the cardiac rehabilitation program and community members. We provide classes on lifestyle changes to benefit health and well-being. The Foundation provides the funding that allows us to provide these classes free of charge to our community members to teach skills necessary to promote a heart-healthy lifestyle.
Continued Education for Healthcare Providers: In cooperation with the Centura Health Pre-Hospital Services, education is essential for our community’s health care partners. We offer online continuing education seminars four times a year to provide information on new and existing treatments and techniques in cardiovascular care.
Saline Coolers: Access to ice-cold saline allows Emergency Medical Service (EMS) providers to start life-saving measures for patients suffering from cardiac arrest and other life-threatening conditions by cooling down the patient’s body temperature – inducing hypothermia treatment on the way to the emergency room. In 2009-2010 South Denver Heart Center Foundation made donations of these life-saving coolers to numerous EMS departments in our community.