{"id":86169,"date":"2025-10-07T17:35:02","date_gmt":"2025-10-07T23:35:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/?p=86169"},"modified":"2025-10-07T17:39:14","modified_gmt":"2025-10-07T23:39:14","slug":"community-health-benefit-fund-distributes-aeds-to-yampa-valley-businesses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/community-health-benefit-fund-distributes-aeds-to-yampa-valley-businesses\/","title":{"rendered":"Community Health Benefit Fund distributes AEDs"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Mike
Mike Welch, right, and Dominique Welch, two of the co-owners of Backdoor Sports, install their AED cabinet in Backdoor Sports on Oct. 7, 2025. Photo: UCHealth.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Yampa Valley Medical Center Foundation<\/a>, through its Community Health Benefit Fund<\/a>, has invested $114,00 in automated external defibrillators, or AEDs, that are being deployed throughout the Yampa Valley.<\/p>\n

\u201cEvery dollar of the Community Health Benefit Fund supports the health of our community, and this project is a perfect example of that fund in action,\u201d said Karen Schneider, executive director of the foundation. \u201cThrough the deployment of these AEDs, faster intervention can begin when a sudden cardiac arrest occurs and while first responders are en route. It was heartwarming to learn not only of the desire to be prepared should a medical emergency arise, but of these organizations\u2019 willingness to assist others.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEarly use of an AED during a sudden cardiac arrest can more than double a person\u2019s chance of survival, making it one of the most critical links in the chain of survival,\u201d said Julie McFadden, registered nurse and manager of trauma services at UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center<\/a>. \u201cIn rural communities, ensuring access to AEDs and providing training in their use is a vital way we protect and care for one another, no matter where a cardiac emergency may occur.\u201d<\/p>\n

Owners of Backdoor Sports wanted an AED because they know the device can save lives.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re in the business of adventure. Having an AED on site is no different than taking an avalanche beacon when you venture into the backcountry or making sure you have a throw rope when you\u2019re on the river,\u201d said Mike Welch, co-owner of Backdoor Sports. \u201cWith a history of heart disease in my family, I know the importance of having AEDs. UCHealth\u2019s investment in these devices makes Steamboat Springs a stronger community.\u201d<\/p>\n

LiftUp Routt County applied for an AED to provide a safer environment for their clients, shoppers, staff, volunteers and donors.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re a community hub that assists people of all ages. We want to be ready if an emergency strikes, and we are so grateful to UCHealth for choosing to improve the safety of our community,\u201d said Sue Fegelein, executive director of LiftUp. \u201cThis is an amazing investment. These AEDs will provide so many with the needed peace of mind and a plan of action in case of emergency.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Bettina
Bettina Scorzafava, right, Community Health Benefit Fund coordinator with Yampa Valley Medical Center Foundation, provides an AED orientation to Mike Welch, bottom left, and Dominique Welch, far left, two of the co-owners of Backdoor Sports, and Genevieve Redman, top left, general manager at Mythology Distillery, on Tuesday morning. Photo: UCHealth.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Forty-nine AEDs are being deployed through this impact initiative. Recipients include:<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Steamboat<\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/div>\n
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