Local Grant Supports Installation of Automated External Defibrillators in City Parks

Fredericksburg, VA, (July 10, 2024) – Mary Washington Healthcare is pleased to announce the placement of two Automated External Defibrillator (AED) lifesaving devices in the City of Fredericksburg’s Memorial Park and W. L. Harris Park after receiving a $7,500 grant from Mary Washington Hospital Foundation’s Joe and Mary Wilson Community Benefit Fund.

The City of Fredericksburg has begun a phased process of installing AED devices in city parks and on city trails. Using donations received, AEDs are now available in Memorial Park, Old Mill Park, W.L. Harris Park, and Alum Spring Park at the Virginia Central Railway Trail.

“We are thankful for Mary Washington Healthcare’s support allowing us to purchase these lifesaving devices that anyone can use to assist in a crisis situation,” says Todd Brown, Director, Fredericksburg Parks, Recreation and Events. “Having AED’s available in public locations allows the person in need to receive help prior to rescue arrival. Every second counts.”

The AED devices are in climate-controlled security boxes that require users to call 911 to obtain the access code. By dialing 911, first responders are alerted that emergency services are required, and the caller will be on the phone with a dispatcher who can assist them in the use of the AED.

“To assist with the purchase of the AED’s and having placed in our city parks and trails is an honor,” says Xavier Richardson, MWHC Chief Development Officer and President of Mary Washington and Stafford Hospital Foundations. “Through Foundation funds, we continue to make a positive impact in a variety of ways, to improve the health of the communities we serve.”

To learn more about Fredericksburg Parks, Recreation and Events, click here.

For more information about Mary Washington and Stafford Hospital Foundations, events, methods of giving, and how you can make a difference, click here.

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About Mary Washington Healthcare

Mary Washington Healthcare is a fully integrated, regional healthcare system that provides inpatient and outpatient care at over 60 facilities including Mary Washington Hospital, a 471-bed tertiary hospital, Stafford Hospital, a 100-bed community hospital, four emergency departments, and a multi-specialty graduate medical education program. Mary Washington Healthcare is a non-profit health system with a longstanding commitment to provide care regardless of ability to pay. For more information about our services and facilities, visit mwhc.com.