AdventHealth donated three AEDs to the Highlands County Family YMCA to help ensure local families and visitors to the facility have quick access to lifesaving care during a cardiac emergency
The devices include a children’s mode, and one operates in both English and Spanish to better support the diverse needs of the community.
SEBRING, Fla. — AdventHealth has donated three portable Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to the Highlands County Family YMCA to help ensure local families and visitors have quick access to lifesaving care during a cardiac emergency.
AdventHealth presented three LifePak CR2 AEDs to Highlands County Family YMCA leadership during a special ceremony on Monday, March 16, 2026, helping strengthen emergency preparedness at the facility. The devices include a children’s mode, and one operates in both English and Spanish to better support the diverse needs of the community.
A member of the Highlands County Family YMCA Board of Directors connected with AdventHealth expressing a need for the devices at the YMCA in the event of an emergency and AdventHealth is honored to help ensure this lifesaving equipment is readily available.
“Supporting the health and safety of our neighbors is central to our mission,” said Jason Dunkel, president and CEO of AdventHealth Sebring, Lake Placid and Wauchula. “AEDs are critical during sudden cardiac emergencies, especially in public places where quick action can save a life. We’re honored to work alongside the YMCA to help keep our community safe.”
Every second counts when someone is suffering from a cardiac emergency. The American Heart Association said nine out of 10 people with cardiac arrest who receive a shock from an AED in the first minute, live.
James Leicht, the clinical outcomes coordinator for the heart and vascular center at AdventHealth Sebring also explained how to safely use the devices to YMCA leaders and team members, so they also know what to do if they need to use them.
“On behalf of the Highlands County Family YMCA, we are deeply grateful to AdventHealthf for this generous donation,” Dimitri Baussan, Chief Executive Officer, Highlands County Family YMCA said. “These AEDs are critical life-saving tools that help ensure the safety of every child, family and senior who walks through our doors. Partnerships like this truly strengthen the health and well-being of our entire community.”
To learn more about AdventHealth and the care options offered in the Heartland community, please visit AdventHealthSebring.com.