Fiona Johnson updates Johnson County on Heart Safe Community Campaign initiatives

During the recent Board of Supervisors work session on January 29, 2025, the Johnson County Ambulance Service and the Rotary Heart Safe Community Campaign provided an update on their collaborative efforts to enhance community health and safety. This partnership, which has been active for five years, focuses on increasing survival rates from sudden cardiac arrests through public education and the availability of life-saving equipment.

Fiona Johnson, the ambulance director, highlighted the campaign's mission to motivate community members to perform CPR and use Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) effectively. Johnson County has achieved notable recognition as the fourth heart safe community in the nation, a testament to the success of their initiatives. The campaign has introduced PulsePoint, a mobile app that alerts users to nearby cardiac emergencies, and has established a registry of 552 AEDs across the county.

The impact of these efforts is significant, with over 4,300 residents registered as PulsePoint users, representing nearly 3% of the county's population. Additionally, the Rotary Heart Safe Community Campaign has supported more than 50 local businesses and nonprofits in acquiring AEDs through a cost-sharing program. They have also facilitated the installation of over 40 24/7 AED enclosures, ensuring that these critical devices are accessible at all times. A recent installation at the Napoleon Park Softball Complex in Iowa City exemplifies the ongoing commitment to community safety.

The discussions during the meeting underscored the importance of continued collaboration between local agencies and community organizations in promoting health initiatives. As the campaign progresses, it aims to further increase awareness and accessibility of life-saving resources, ultimately striving to save more lives in Johnson County.