In partnership with Response Ready, the donation expands access to lifesaving AEDs for children, families, staff and visitors in New York City.
NEW YORK, NY, UNITED STATES, September 17, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Play With Heart Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to preventing sudden cardiac arrest and expanding access to lifesaving heart-health resources, has donated an automated external defibrillator (AED) to Forestdale, a New York City child welfare organization serving children and families since 1854.
The donation, supported by Response Ready, adds lifesaving AED technology in a community setting where children, families, staff, foster parents, volunteers and visitors may depend on fast emergency response when every second matters.
Forestdale provides parenting support, family strengthening, trauma‑informed treatment, health services, foster care, and youth development programming.
“Sudden cardiac arrest can happen anywhere and without warning, and access to an AED can make an extraordinary difference when every second matters,” said Amy Huang, Co-Founder of Play With Heart Foundation. “We are proud to support Forestdale and the important work they do every day for children and families. Expanding AED access is about helping more communities become prepared to respond when someone’s life is on the line.”
Why AED Access and CPR Readiness Matter
Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when the heart unexpectedly stops beating effectively. It can happen without warning and can affect people of different ages, including individuals who appear otherwise healthy.
When someone experiences cardiac arrest, the people nearby become the first critical links in the emergency response. Recognizing the emergency, calling 911, beginning CPR and using an AED as quickly as possible can substantially improve the person’s chance of survival.
Immediate CPR and early AED use are widely recognized as critical steps in improving survival after sudden cardiac arrest. An AED can analyze the heart’s rhythm and, when appropriate, deliver a shock intended to help restore an effective rhythm.
For organizations serving children and families, a visible and accessible AED supports workplace safety, visitor protection and community emergency preparedness.
Turning AED Access Into Real-World Readiness
Response Ready supported the donation by helping connect AED access with practical cardiac emergency response planning.
Effective AED program management requires more than placing a device on the wall. AEDs should be easy to find, inspected routinely, maintained properly and supported by people who know how to respond during a cardiac emergency.
“An AED can only save a life when it is accessible, operational and supported by people who are prepared to use it,” said Shahin Enayati, Managing Partner of Response Ready. “Our goal is to help organizations turn AED placement into real-world readiness through training, planning, inspection and ongoing oversight.”
Response Ready supports AED program readiness through:
• Selecting and appropriately placing AEDs
• Developing cardiac emergency response plans
• Coordinating CPR and AED training and recertification
• Establishing AED inspection and maintenance procedures
• Monitoring device readiness and expiration dates
• Documenting organizational preparedness and compliance
• Reinforcing emergency response procedures with staff and designated responders
Together, AED placement, CPR training, emergency response planning and routine device oversight help reduce hesitation during the critical minutes before emergency medical services arrive.
AED Donation Supports Safer Community Spaces for Children and Families
The AED donation aligns with Forestdale’s broader commitment to creating safe, supportive environments where children and families have access to resources that protect health, safety and well-being.
“Having this AED, a critical lifesaving resource, installed on site gives our team peace of mind while they meet with families.” says Lorraine Stephens, LMSW, Executive Director of Forestdale. “Our staff are trained to respond to a family in crisis without hesitation. Because of the support from Play With Heart Foundation and Response Ready, we are able to continue that work knowing we can handle any emergency.
Expanding Access to AEDs, CPR Education and Lifesaving Resources
Since its founding in June 2022, Play With Heart Foundation has worked to increase awareness of sudden cardiac arrest and expand access to lifesaving resources through AED donations, cardiovascular screenings, CPR and AED education and community preparedness initiatives.
Through its community partnerships, the foundation has helped provide free electrocardiogram screenings to more than 1,000 young athletes and teenagers while giving participants and families opportunities to learn more about cardiac health, CPR and AED use.
The foundation continues to work with schools, sports organizations, nonprofits and community groups that may otherwise lack access to AEDs, cardiovascular screenings, CPR and AED education, emergency response training and preparedness resources.
For organizations seeking to expand AED access, improve CPR and AED training, or strengthen cardiac emergency response planning, this partnership shows how nonprofit leadership and preparedness expertise can work together to make lifesaving resources more accessible.
Organizations interested in AED program management, CPR and AED training coordination, or emergency response readiness can contact Response Ready to learn more.
About Forestdale
Forestdale’s mission is to ensure every child has a safe, nurturing family and the resources to thrive. Forestdale has remained at the forefront of family and children’s services for more than 170 years, evolving with best practices in child development while providing family-support programs that break cycles of poverty. Founded in 1854, the agency provides parenting support, family strengthening, trauma‑informed treatment, health services, foster care, and youth development programming.
About Play With Heart Foundation
Play With Heart Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing sudden cardiac arrest and expanding access to lifesaving heart-health resources. Founded by Amy Huang and Ian Dickinson, the foundation supports youth sports organizations, schools, families and underserved communities through AED donations, cardiovascular screening initiatives, CPR and AED education, advocacy and emergency preparedness programs.
About Response Ready
Response Ready helps organizations build and maintain AED and emergency response programs through AED program development, equipment selection and placement, CPR and AED training coordination, cardiac emergency response planning, compliance support, device monitoring and ongoing readiness management.
Shahin Enayati
Response Ready
+1 858-665-8444
email us here
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