Representatives from the Bloomington Parks Foundation, Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department, and Twin Lakes Recreation Center express their gratitude to the Bloomington Health Foundation for the grant that allowed the Twin Lakes Recreation Center to purchase a new AED for the facility. Pictured are (L-R): David Skirvin, President, Bloomington Parks Foundation; Paula McDevitt, Administrator, Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department; Megan Stark, Membership Coordinator, Twin Lakes Recreation Center; Mark Sterner, General Manager, Twin Lakes Recreation Center; Michelle Gilchrist, President and CEO, Bloomington Health Foundation; Heather Robinson, Chief Operating Officer, Bloomington Health Foundation; and Shelby Drake, Health & Wellness Coordinator, Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department.
Bloomington Health Foundation Grant Replaces Vital AED Devices, Brings Additional Sun Safety Programs to Parks and Recreation
Bloomington, Ind. – Research conducted by the National Institute of Health reported excessive exposure to sun radiation and high temperatures carries significant health risks for children including increased skin cancer and cardiovascular failure. To protect people utilizing local parks and pools, Bloomington Health Foundation awarded $38,000 to the Bloomington Parks Foundation to replace lifesaving AEDs (automated external defibrillators) at 11 parks and recreation facilities, and to replace shade umbrellas and bring free sunscreen to Bryan Park and Mill Pools.
The recently acquired AEDs feature pads and connectors that align with those used by the Bloomington Fire Department and IU Health, making it possible in moments of crisis for the AEDs to be rapidly synchronized with devices used by first responders, ensuring swift and effective action.
Strategically positioned, AEDs are stationed at multiple key points, including the Olcott Park concessions building, Twin Lakes Sports Park, Rose Hill Cemetery office, Bryan Park Pool (during the summer) and Frank Southern Ice Arena (during the winter), Mills Pool, Twin Lakes Recreation Center, Winslow Sports Complex, Allison-Jukebox Community Center, Banneker Community Center, Switchyard Park Pavilion, Cascades Golf Course, and the Griffy Lake boathouse.
Additionally, mobile AED units accompany Parks and Recreation’s roving naturalists and urban greenspace and community events staff.
Paula McDevitt, Administrator of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department, expressed her appreciation. “Medical emergencies happen and we want to be prepared in the best possible way,” McDevitt said. “We recognize the vital role AEDs and trained personnel play in safeguarding lives in recreation and sports facilities and program sites. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Bloomington Health Foundation for their unwavering support in acquiring these new AEDs, empowering our Parks and Recreation team to effectively respond to medical emergencies.”
The Bloomington Health Foundation has maintained a longstanding partnership with the Bloomington Parks Foundation and remains committed to ongoing educational initiatives, delivering valuable information and programs addressing the perils of ultraviolet radiation, which can lead to increased risk of skin cancer.
Michelle Gilchrist, CEO of Bloomington Health Foundation, conveyed the reason for her support: “We are committed to empowering community partners to identify ways we can eliminate adverse health issues. When we work together, we identify simple ways we can remove access barriers that lead to improved health outcomes. This investment is our mission and purpose lived out in our community.”
