Jack Del Rio, founder of the Jack Del Rio Foundation, has committed funds for the purchase of six life-saving Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) for placement in community recreation centers and community athletic associations throughout Northeast Florida as part of the “Keeping Young Athletes in the Game” initiative. Applications are now being accepted for the AED devices for the calendar year 2012. Organized community recreational programs and athletic associations that are interested in the AED grant can apply via the link found on www.jsmp.us or www.jackdelriofoundation.com. The deadline is March 15, 2012.

The need for early intervention and ready access to emergency equipment in case of cardiac arrest is well-documented. However, most local recreation centers and athletic associations lack this important life-saving device due to cost. The AED is designed to be used by non-medical personnel and, when available, can dramatically increase a victim’s chance of survival.

The Jack Del Rio Foundation is partnered with the Jacksonville Sports Medicine Program (JSMP) and Wolfson Children’s Hospital, Brooks Rehabilitation and Nemours Children’s Clinic as part of a larger initiative called “Keeping Young Athletes in the Game” that advocates the need for licensed athletic trainers in Duval County public schools and promotes sports safety for student athletes throughout Northeast Florida. It is the hope of all partners that children in our community have the best resources available to them in the event of an emergency.

Robert Sefcik, executive director of JSMP, states “Promoting a safe environment for our young athletes and community members has always been our mission and now, through the generous funds provide by the Jack Del Rio Foundation, we can enhance our impact on the local athletic community.”