CHELMSFORD, Mass.– In a nationwide effort to protect young athletes from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), ZOLL Medical and Simon’s Heart have announced the donation of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and emergency response training to 32 youth organizations across the United States. The initiative coincides with CPR and AED Awareness Week, observed from June 1–7.
The donation drive is part of ZOLL’s public education campaign, Anything Can Happen. Anyone Can Help., which launched in 2024 with pro football player and SCA survivor Damar Hamlin. Of the 32 AEDs being distributed, 25 will go to Boys & Girls Clubs, with the remaining devices supporting youth football programs in underserved communities. Each organization was selected based on need and lack of access to existing AED equipment.
“This is exactly what I’ve been fighting for—getting AEDs to the places and people who need them most,” said Hamlin, who credits his local Boys & Girls Club in the Pittsburgh area with helping to shape his life. In 2024, Hamlin was inducted into the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Alumni Hall of Fame.
The donated equipment includes the ZOLL AED 3®, packaged in a portable backpack and accompanied by guidance on AED placement, maintenance, and training. Staff, volunteers, and community members will also receive educational resources to improve emergency preparedness.
“Equipping youth organizations with AEDs isn’t just about emergency response—it’s about building safer communities,” said Alexis Simchak, Senior Program Director at Simon’s Heart. “Every young person deserves access to lifesaving tools and training.”
ZOLL emphasized that the initiative is designed to expand the network of citizen first responders. “When an AED is nearby, anyone can help save a life,” said Elijah White, President of ZOLL’s Acute Care Technology division. “ZOLL AEDs provide real-time coaching and feedback, empowering bystanders to act confidently.”
Michael Belcher, National Vice President of Child Safety for Boys & Girls Clubs of America, noted that the program will both protect young people and help raise awareness about SCA response. “These AEDs will help protect our children and families while educating the community that every bystander can make a difference,” he said.
The campaign also aims to dispel misconceptions about AEDs. Nearly half of Americans are unaware that AEDs do more than deliver shocks—they provide step-by-step audio and visual CPR guidance, making them accessible to anyone during an emergency.
With thousands of sudden cardiac arrests occurring in public places each year, ZOLL and Simon’s Heart hope their continued donations and training efforts will dramatically improve survival rates, especially in youth sports and recreation settings.
