The Piedmont Chapter of The Links, Incorporated received grants from The Community Foundation of Gaston County and First Gaston Foundation, totaling $21,000.00, to support heart health programming in Gaston County. The Piedmont Chapter used the grant funds to place AED (Automatic External Defibrillator) units in area churches. An AED unit is sophisticated, yet easy-to-use, medical device that helps to re-establish an effective heart rhythm in persons experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. Having ready access and using an AED device, combined with CPR, can often make the difference between life and death for someone experiencing a sudden heart attack.

The fourteen (14) selected church recipients of the AED units received a Heartsine 450P unit along with AED/CPR and First Aid training for two church members. Those members will coordinate the implementation of the program at their respective churches. Each member attending the training sessions received an Adult First Aid/CPR/AED certificate valid for two years. The churches were required to develop and submit an AED implementation plan and will be required to maintain their unit. Current CPR certification for the members supporting the program will also be expected.

The Piedmont Chapter of The Links, Incorporated serves Gaston, Cleveland, and Catawba counties. The chapter also received grant funding from Novant Health to expand the program to Cleveland and Catawba counties. A total of three additional AED units were installed in churches in Cleveland and Catawba counties.