Local Impact Seen From NEA Baptist Day of Giving

Jonesboro, Ark.– An AED, or automated external defibrillator, is used to help those experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. It’s a sophisticated, yet easy-to-use, medical device that can analyze the heart’s rhythm and, if necessary, deliver an electrical shock, or defibrillation, to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm. Thanks to the portability of these units, AEDs can now be found in churches, auditoriums, and gyms to help provide immediate help when a cardiac event is taking place.

Sadly though, not all schools and sports complexes in our area have these devices. Many places where our young athletes are practicing or playing do not have quick access to an AED which could potentially save a life.

The Luke Brodell AED Fund was established to place this life saving equipment in needed places throughout our community.

Luke Brodell is a sophomore baseball player at JHS who suffered sudden cardiac arrest and was saved by the quick thinking of his coach and an AED at the location they were practicing. This shows the life-saving impact of one of these units for our area athletes.

Through the 2020 NEA Baptist Day of Giving, many community members and NEA Baptist employees gave to the Luke Brodell AED Fund. With the $10,000 raised for this fund, 6 AED’s will be distributed to areas of need around the community. 2 will be located at Joe Mack Campbell Park, 2 at Southside Softball Complex, and an AED to Jonesboro Public Schools and Brookland Public Schools.

There will be a presentation Tuesday, April 27th at 4:25 p.m. at the JHS baseball field at Annie Camp Junior High School prior to the JHS baseball game.

NEA Baptist Health System comprises NEA Baptist Clinic, NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital, and NEA Baptist Fowler Family Center for Cancer Care. The 228-bed hospital offers cancer care, heart care through the Heart Center, labor and delivery services through the hospital’s Women’s Center, as well as a number of inpatient and outpatient services, emergency care, and surgical services including weight loss surgery, neurology, respiratory care, and pulmonary rehabilitation. NEA Baptist Clinic’s over 110 physicians practice in more than 35 specialties and offer a wealth of services, from pediatrics to orthopedic services. For more information about NEA Baptist, please call 870-936-1000 or visit http://www.neabaptist.com.