I Heart (safe) Ledyard

The newest signs placed around the town’s perimeter declare a tradition in Ledyard that’s six years in the making. The Town of Ledyard continues to be a HEARTSafe Community (like it has been since 2006) and, according to Ledyard Regional VNA Supervisor Karen Goetchius, it will be for another 3 years.

“We are proud to have this honor to be able to save a life in our community,” said Goetchius.

Ledyard is one on 169 communities in the state designated a HEARTSafe community through the Department of Public Health. The HEARTsafe program is intended to encourage communities to strengthen every link in the cardiac ‘Chain of Survival’ by CPR training, AED availability, and pre-hospital advanced life support, according to Goetchius.

Karen says that the town offers to teach classes to the community every month at the Gales Ferry School.

According to the Connecticut HEARTsafe brochure "Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the nation and Connecticut. Approximately 4,500 Connecticut residents die each year due to sudden cardiac arrest. Most of these deaths occur out of the hospital, away from advanced medical assistance and usually happen in the presence of a friend, family member or co-worker”.

The CT Department of Public Health and the American Heart Association have recognized the Town of Ledyard for its community efforts to improve survival rates from sudden cardiac arrest through CPR training and Automatic External Defibrillator placement throughout the town.

Goetchius said that every school has at least one AED, some may have more; so too does the Town Hall, the Board of Education/Parks and Recreation building, and the Senior Center.

The Ledyard Regional VNA teaches classes in CPR/AED at the new Gales Ferry School. The cost is $25 for residents and $35 for non-residents. Please call 464-8464 to register.

Approximately 8-10 signs announcing Ledyard's status as a HEARTSafe Community were placed around the town's perimeter Tuesday.