On Thursday, May 18, 2006 Wake County Medical Director Brent Myers and Professional Development Coordinator Don Garner, Jr. attended an AED dedication ceremony at the State Legislature.

The Justus-Warren Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Task Force donated the AED to the General Assembly. Senator William Purcell, M.D. and task force chairman was the master of ceremonies.

Senator Austin Allran spoke of his own personal fight with heart disease as he suffered chest pains and was take to Rex Hospital with blocked arteries the night before this AED donation was announced on July 20, 2005.

Wake County Representative Jennifer Weiss, a member of the task force, introduced Dr. Myers as the “real expert” on the subject of AEDs and noted Wake County EMS’ efforts to place AEDs in the community. She stated that Wake County was “leading by example,” and that other communities should take note.


Senator Purcell (left) Dr. Myers (right)

Dr. Myers talked of the importance of publicly accessible AEDs, EMS, and what a public access defibrillator program is about. He shared his vision and plans for Wake County and how the legislative building fit in to that plan.

The Justus-Warren Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Task Force examines the incidence and causes of heart disease, stroke disease and stroke deaths and risks, including the identification and subpopulations at high risk for developing heart disease and stroke. The task force has 27 members, each serving a two-year term. The governor appoints 11 members.

For additional information on the task force, click here.

For additional information on AEDs and Wake County EMS’ efforts in the Chain of Survivals, click here.