Albion Hospital Boosts Emergency Response with AED Donation to Ericson Lake

By: Aprill Murphy

Albion, NE (June 25, 2025) – Boone County Health Center (BCHC) has awarded its second automated external defibrillator (AED) of the year to Ericson Lake, a popular recreation site that draws an estimated 20,000 visitors annually for camping, river activities, and fishing.

Located just outside of Ericson, Nebraska, the lake is a beloved destination but has limited emergency response resources. The local rescue squad is small, and many of its members live out of town in rural areas.

Ashley Kaiser, Treasurer of the Ericson Lake Corporation, applied for the AED donation through BCHC’s grant program. “Having an AED available at the lake could make a life-or-death difference,” said Kaiser. “We’re thankful for Boone County Health Center’s generosity and support for rural communities like ours.”

To further strengthen community readiness, Kaiser will also be leading a free CPR and AED training for the public on Sunday, July 6 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Ericson Lake Corporation building. The training is open to anyone who wants to be better prepared to respond in an emergency.

The AED donation is made possible through the 340B drug pricing program and is part of BCHC’s ongoing effort to increase access to life-saving equipment across its seven-county service area, which includes Antelope, Boone, Greeley, Nance, western Madison, western Platte, and Wheeler counties.

BCHC gifts two AEDs each year to eligible organizations—such as churches, community centers, and recreational sites—within its service area. The goal is to enhance emergency readiness in rural areas where immediate medical intervention can be challenging.

To apply for an AED donation, organizations can contact Aprill Murphy in BCHC’s Grants & Public Relations Department.