Friday, February 1, 2008

Episcopal High School is the first school in the state of Louisiana to receive the prestigious Heart Ready Community Award sponsored by the American Heart Association and its Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Program. The AMA honored Episcopal with the award based on the school’s demonstrated leadership and commitment to life-saving technology using the AED. Episcopal also ranks in the top ten to receive the award in the American Heart Association’s Greater Southeast Region consisting of the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Florida and Puerto Rico.

Episcopal purchased six AEDs and has trained 45 faculty/staff members in the proper usage of the devices. With four AEDs permanently located in strategic spots across the school’s campus and two portable AEDs, access to a device is available if needed. The Episcopal Parents’ Guild and the school administration worked together to institute the program. The Guild made the initial purchase while the school maintains the yearly maintenance cost of the devices.

In addition, Episcopal has established a Student Advisory Board in the Upper School for the American Heart Association. The board works closely with the AHA to promote healthy lifestyles. Episcopal is the first school in the southeastern United States to establish such a group with the AHA, and plans are to develop similar wellness boards for the AHA regionally.