Gateway Receives State Grant to Purchase Defibrillators
Click here to see this article in the Beaver County Chamber of Commerce - Connections Newsletter.

Center Township - The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development has granted $12,500 to Gateway Rehabilitation Center to purchase six Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). Obtained through the efforts of Senator Gerald LaValle (D-47) and Representative Vince Biancucci (D-15), the grant will provide AEDs for Gateway inpatient treatment locations in Beaver County, Braddock, and Erie.

An AED is a portable, computerized device that delivers a shock via an electrical pulse to the heart of a victim of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) to restore a normal heartbeat. Gateway purchased AEDs manufactured by Zoll, equipment that provides audible instructions to help the rescuer perform effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

An estimated 220,000 Americans experience SCA annually and many of its victims have no history of heart disease. According to the National Center for Early Defibrillation, SCA claims more lives than breast cancer, prostate cancer, house fires, hand guns, traffic accidents, and AIDS combined. The only treatment for SCA is immediate CPR and early defibrillation with an AED within three to five minutes after collapse. After five minutes, survival rates diminish rapidly.

“Our patients are often at particular risk, since susceptibility to cardiac arrest can be exacerbated by drug abuse or long-term alcohol use,” said Dr. Kenneth Ramsey, Gateway president and chief executive officer, adding that patients in detox and those with a history of seizure disorders may be at even greater risk.

“The funding that Rep. Biancucci and Sen. LaValle provided to purchase the AEDs will directly benefit and offer potentially lifesaving treatment to our patients, their families, our staff, and other visitors at Gateway’s inpatient programs. We are very grateful for the interest and generous assistance of our local legislators.”

Gateway, headquartered in Center Township (Beaver County), has treated nearly 80,000 individuals suffering from alcoholism and other drug addiction since 1972. With 20 locations in Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio--including programs in Ambridge and Beaver Falls locally, providing services to approximately 9,000 individuals per year--Gateway is recognized as a national leader in drug and alcohol prevention and treatment.           

Gateway Rehabilitation Center is a private, non-for-profit organization offering comprehensive prevention services and treatment for adults, youth and families with alcohol and other drug problems.  With locations throughout Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio, Gateway provides services for over 9,000 individuals annually.