The Harold J. Miossi Charitable Trust has awarded a $28,000 grant to French Hospital Medical Center to establish a vital new Automated External Defibrillator (AED) program.

The contribution will fund the purchase and distribution of 20 AEDs to high-occupancy businesses and public meeting spaces throughout the city of San Luis Obispo, enhancing community preparedness for sudden cardiac arrest.

With heart disease being the leading cause of death in California, and over 80% of cardiac arrests occurring outside of a hospital, immediate access to an AED can be the difference between life and death, the hospital said.

Survival rates decrease by 7%-10% for every minute defibrillation is delayed, the hospital said. The new program aims to bridge that critical time gap.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Harold J. Miossi Charitable Trust for their unwavering commitment to improving health outcomes in San Luis Obispo,” said Sue Andersen, president/CEO of French Hospital Medical Center.

“As the region’s premier cardiac hospital and STEMI-receiving center, we are uniquely positioned to launch a proactive, life-saving initiative that will place essential medical devices directly into the hands of community members where they are needed most,” she said. “This grant allows us to leverage our expertise to truly make a difference in moments of critical need.”

The French Hospital AED Program, opening in February to coincide with American Heart Month, will provide qualifying organizations with an AED unit, a wall-mounted cabinet, accessories, and essential online training for staff, all at no cost.

The program prioritizes businesses and groups that:
● Are located in San Luis Obispo.
● Have more than 100 employees, or have meeting spaces with a capacity of more than 100 people.
● Currently lack an AED on their premises.

The AED program will be administered by Greg Larsen, RN, assistant nurse manager for French Hospital’s Emergency Department. Larsen will oversee AED requests, acquisition, and distribution, leveraging his firsthand experience to maximize the program’s impact.

“This program moves beyond reactive emergency care; it’s a proactive step in building a truly resilient, safe community here in San Luis Obispo,” Larsen said.

To date, California Health and Safety Codes already mandate AEDs in certain high-occupancy buildings and health studios, with further regulations for youth sports organizations coming in 2027.

Organizations interested in requesting an AED through this program will be able to apply via an online form on French Hospital’s website.

To learn more about the program and apply for an AED, visit here.