News Release Date: October 5, 2023
Contact: Charles Morton, Superintendent
Office: (606)-573-8700 ext. 6 | E-mail: Charles.morton@harlanind.kyschools.us
(Harlan, Ky.) – In an effort to become a Heart Safe School district Harlan Independent is partnering with Clover Fork Clinic and Appalachian Regional Hospital (ARH) to expand the number of Automated External Defibrillators (AED) across the campus and at all athletic venues.
With the addition of the newly purchased devices, an AED will be installed on each floor of every building across campus and at each athletic field. Additionally, one will be placed in the Cafeteria, library, and a mobile device will be available for use as needed.
Superintendent C.D. Morton reported that the investment was more than $10,000 and was made possible through a partnership with two Harlan County health care providers. “Both Clover Fork Clinic and ARH were eager to support this initiative when we discussed our desire to become a Heart Safe School District. Before this investment, we had a single AED device in each building. These new devices will enable students and staff to access lifesaving supports within a three-minute walk from nearly any area of our campus. We cannot thank both Clover Fork and ARH enough for their desire to ensure safe spaces for our students and families.”
Morton shared with Board of Education members that all staff members have had AED training and that school leaders are working with Clover Fork Clinic to ensure that a quality sudden cardiac arrest program of awareness, training, and effective emergency response plan is in place for all schools. “The safety of our students and everyone who sets foot on our campuses is our utmost priority. By introducing Automated External Defibrillators across our schools, we are taking a significant step towards ensuring that we are well-prepared to handle cardiac emergencies. We believe this investment will provide peace of mind to our community and, most importantly, save lives. Through our partnership with Clover Fork Clinic and the nursing services they provide, we will lean on their expertise to help us strengthen our safety measures around this area.” Clover Fork Clinic provides school-based health services on-site to all schools each day at Harlan Independent.
CEO of Clover Fork Clinic, Jack Miniard, noted the significance of working collaboratively to improve the safety of students. “This initiative underscores Harlan Independent’s dedication to fostering a safe and nurturing educational environment, going beyond academics to prioritize the health and well-being of all stakeholders. Clover Fork Clinic takes great pride in being a community partner and we are proud to contribute to this initiative. By working together we can improve the safety of the entire community of Harlan.”
According to Clover Fork Clinic Registered Nurse, Terri McCurry who services Harlan Elementary Schools the added AEDs will provide another layer of security for families who may be worried about access to AEDs. “What a tremendous gift to our schools and families it is for them to know that our buildings are equipped with these devices. Serious cardiac events across the country have certainly helped raise awareness when it comes to cardiac arrest. Being prepared is an important first step to saving lives and while we cannot prevent tragedies from happening, we can certainly do everything possible to be equipped and prepared when they do.” stated McCurry.
“We are thrilled to partner with Harlan Independent to continue our dedication to improving the health and well-being of those in our service areas and beyond,” said Angela Bailey, Executive Director of the ARH Foundation for Healthier Communities. She continued, “Schools are often the center of many communities' activities, and these life-saving devices add an extra layer of safety and security—both of which we are passionate about improving.”
Superintendent Morton credited current School Board Vice-Chairman Will Miller and Head Basketball Coach Derrick Akal with helping initiate the work to make this endeavor happen. “Coincidentally, Coach Akal was concerned that many of our student-athletes were not as aware as they should be when it comes to cardiac arrest episodes. About that same time, Board Member Will Miller who also serves as a Physician Assistant (PA) at Clover Fork introduced me to the Heart Smart School initiative. Quickly, we were able to get support to improve the safety of our campus and students. It is a great example of how teamwork can work to make our schools a better place for kids and families.”
To find out more about Heart Safe Schools visit https://www.projectadam.com/Heartsafeschools.