BCHC AED Grant Supports Safety at Riverside School

By: Aprill Murphy

Albion, NE (August 19, 2026) – Boone County Health Center (BCHC) recently donated an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to Riverside Public Schools in Spalding as part of its ongoing commitment to the health and safety of the communities it serves.

The AED was presented to Riverside Public Schools Superintendent Stephanie Kaczor by BCHC Physician Assistant Courtney Ruzek.

“Supporting the communities we serve goes beyond the care provided within our hospital and clinics,” said Ruzek. “An AED is something you hope is never needed, but having reliable, up-to-date equipment readily available can make an important difference during a cardiac emergency.”

With students, staff, and community members regularly gathering for school activities and events, Riverside Public Schools applied for the grant to further strengthen its emergency preparedness efforts and ensure lifesaving resources are readily accessible when needed.

Each year, BCHC uses 340B funding to provide two AEDs to eligible organizations within its service area. The grant program helps organizations obtain AED equipment to strengthen emergency preparedness and ensure this potentially lifesaving technology is available when it is needed most.

Eligible organizations must be located within BCHC’s seven-county service area. Applications are accepted year-round, with an annual deadline of April 30. Organizations interested in applying for a future AED donation may contact Aprill Murphy at Boone County Health Center for an application and additional information.

Through programs such as the AED Grant Program, BCHC continues to invest in resources that support healthier, safer communities throughout the region.