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CITY OF NEW ORLEANS ANNOUNCES NORD TO RECEIVE
DEFIBRILLATORS FROM THE NEW ORLEANS SAINTS AND PELICANS
NEW ORLEANS — The City of New Orleans today announced that the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans are donating Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to the New Orleans Recreation Development (NORD) Commission facilities.
"The City of New Orleans is grateful to Mrs. Benson and the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans for recognizing this urgent need and partnering with us to provide upgraded equipment that will ensure the safety of all of our residents who utilize our NORD facilities in the case of an emergency," said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. "The Saints and Pelicans have long been role models for young athletes in our city and around the nation. This most recent donation further proves the great commitment these players and staff have to the City of New Orleans and the families of recreational program participants."
“In light of the horrible events involving Buffalo Bills Safety Damar Hamlin, we felt it was urgent that we reach out to our local recreational facilities to determine their needs,” said Gayle Benson. “NFL games have the most advanced medical staff and equipment on hand, and we believe this needs to be replicated as best as possible on the youth sports level.”
Forty NORD facilities will receive AEDs, including 35 parks, three baseball fields, and two football facilities. Additionally, NORD will conduct training sessions for all staff members to familiarize themselves with equipment use.
“The Saints reached out today wanting to discuss with us what our urgent medical needs included relative to our youth facilities,” said Larry Barabino Jr., Chief Executive Officer of NORD. “We shared our plan with them and explained where we needed the help. We are very grateful to Mrs. Benson and the entire organization. Putting 40 AEDs around NORD facilities will give our families and our children comfort knowing we can be ready in case of an emergency.”
Benson added, “Hearing the news of Damar’s improvement from his doctors today was very heartening. Our prayers continue for him and his recovery, for his family and teammates and the doctors that are giving him such great care.”
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