Public Health Department Receives Grant for AEDs, Car Seats and Boosters

DAYTON-Chelsey Eaton has been busy since beginning work three months ago as the program coordinator for the county public health department.

Eaton said the health department just received a grant for $6,000 from Puget Sound Energy Foundation to purchase automated external defibrillators (AEDs) replacement batteries and pads, for the ones already in use, and for training personnel in how to use them in real life situations.

"I went around the community and quite a few were expired," said Eaton.

Many agencies in the county already have AEDs. For instance, there are AEDs at Ski Bluewood, in the county courthouse, at the senior center and in the lobby of the Sheriff's Department, said Eaton.

The plan is to place AEDs at the county fairgrounds, at the golf course and at The Club, and to keep them up to date.

Eaton said she found the best price for the AEDs from a company called Heart Smart. The cost for each AED is $1,245 and the pads are $144 each, she said.

"It's been a lot of fun to research, get the training, and feel confident you are doing it right," she said.

Eaton said she is also going to receive training in Kennewick next month for certification as a car seat technician.

The health department has received a $5,000 grant for car seats and boosters through the state Child Passenger Safety Program. The goal is to reduce the number of deaths from serious injuries to children resulting from traffic crashes on Washington state roads.

"I believe we are going to be able to purchase car seats for anyone who needs one," said Eaton.

She said the distribution will be to families with financial need. A certified car seat technician will demonstrate their proper use, she said.