Massachusetts Launches AED Grant Program

Municipalities, schools and senior centers eligible

BOSTON, MA--The Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) is now accepting applications from municipalities, school districts, and senior centers for grants to help purchase automated external defibrillators (AED’s).

“Simply put, AEDs save lives,” stated Sen. Richard T. Moore, D-Uxbridge. “To the extent that the state can aid communities, school districts, senior centers, and senior housing complexes in making these devices readily available, we will significantly enhance our emergency response efforts and prevent tragedy.”

Last year, Sen. Moore successfully advocated for $250,000 in the FY14 State Budget to help local entities and school districts purchase AEDs. The funds were appropriated to an account now known as the state “AED Trust Fund.”

Sen. Moore said this latest program was driven by two local incidents. In 2010, Sutton High School’s Michael Ellsessar died suddenly after he went into cardiac arrest during a junior varsity football game. A month later, TylerSymes, a student from Blackstone-Millville Regional High School, was hit in the chest by a puck while playing on Milford High’s cooperative hockey team, and his heart stopped.

Following the incidents, the students’ parents and classmates initiated a movement to advocate for the medical emergency response plans bill, and availability of AED’s in public places.

“When Michael and Tyler’s parents, and classmates approached me to support this initiative, I was more than happy to listen and then lead in bringing the medical emergency response plan legislation to fruition,” said Moore. “The AED trust fund underscores and compliments that effort.”

Eligible applicants for the AED matching grants include: municipalities; local and regional school districts; senior centers; and senior housing complexes. Applicants will be reimbursed 50 percent of the cost of AEDs, up to $10,000. Funding is available on a first come, first served basis.

EOPSS is now accepting letters of intent. The deadline to apply is May 2 at 4 p.m. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

See attachment for details.