New Orleans Saints And Pelicans Provide Automated External Defibrillators To Jprd | Jefferson Parish
New Orleans Saints And Pelicans Provide Automated External Defibrillators To Jprd | Jefferson Parish
JEFFERSON, LA – Today, the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans announced the teams are donating automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to the Jefferson Parish Parks & Recreation Department (JPRD).
“In light of the horrible events involving Buffalo Bills Safety Damar Hamlin, we felt it was urgent that we reach out to our local recreational facilities to determine their needs,” said Gayle Benson. “NFL games have the most advanced medical staff and equipment on hand and we believe this needs to be replicated as best as possible on the youth sports level.”
Jefferson Parish Council Chairman Scott Walker helped coordinate a meeting to secure this donation. According to Walker, “Mrs. Benson and the Saints and Pelicans organizations stepped up in a big way. We are thankful for both their community leadership and recognizing and addressing a need within our playgrounds. Damar Hamlin’s tragic experience will result in greater awareness of risks on and off the playing field and the speed with which they need to be addressed when something happens.”
“I’d like to thank Mrs. Benson and the entire organization for this important donation so that 27 of our JPRD facilities will now have automated external defibrillators,” said Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng. “JPRD will conduct training sessions for all staff members to familiarize themselves with equipment use. It will save lives.”
“JPRD has a wonderful working relationship with the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans and this gesture is one that is so very critical and needed,” said Mario Bazile, director of JPRD. “We are saddened but encouraged of the news of Damar Hamlin and it is through tragic events like this that we all can learn. I know I can speak for all of our families in Jefferson Parish and say thank you to Mrs. Benson and the entire organization.”
Benson added, “Hearing the news of Damar’s improvement from his doctors today was very heartening. Our prayers continue for him and his recovery, for his family and teammates and the doctors that are giving him such great care.”
For more information about Jefferson Parish, visit www.JeffParish.net Residents can also receive regular updates by following the Parish on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@JeffParishGov).
Original source can be found here.
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