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Local foundation donates AEDs, CPR mannequins to Manatee County schools valued at about $330,000
Summary
A local foundation led by Ernie Withers presented 20 AEDs and dozens of CPR mannequins and simulators to the School District of Manatee County to place across campuses and athletic programs; the group said the gift responds to a personal near‑fatal cardiac event and will include training support for staff and schools.
Ernie Withers, founder of a local Manatee County foundation, presented the School District of Manatee County with 20 automated external defibrillators, 30 CPR mannequins and 30 simulators for use in district training programs, telling the board the donation is worth about $330,000.
"I suffered a sudden cardiac arrest," Withers told the board, describing how trainers at a Pittsburgh Pirates spring‑training event used an AED and CPR to revive him. He said that experience led him to start the foundation and to push for AEDs and up‑to‑date mannequins for schools.
Mr. Barber introduced Withers during the board's student‑celebrations portion of the Aug. 6 meeting and described the equipment as portable units intended especially for athletic departments and clinics. Withers said the mannequins and simulators are more realistic than the improvised training tools some schools had been using and that his foundation and partner organizations will provide setup help and CPR certification support to district staff.
District officials said the devices meet legislative and training expectations for schools that offer athletics and that the donation will support state efforts to teach CPR and first‑aid skills to middle‑school students. The equipment was displayed in the boardroom lobby and district staff said schools will distribute units as sites identify needs.
The district acknowledged several corporate sponsors named by Withers and said staff will coordinate distribution with school principals and athletic directors.
