March 29, 2007

McGuinty Government Makes Single Largest Government Investment For Public Access Defibrillators In Canadian History

Investment In Heart And Stroke Foundation Ontario To Save Lives In Ontario

TORONTO –The McGuinty government is providing $3 million to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario for the creation of a ‘Thousand Defibrillators Program’ for Ontario’s recreational facilities, announced Health Promotion Minister Jim Watson today along with Kathleen Wynne, MPP for Don Valley West.

“This historic investment through the Heart and Stroke Foundation will provide Ontario’s communities with important life-saving assistance,” Watson said. “With access to this life-saving tool, public facilities will be safer places for Ontarians to gather and be active.”

“Each year, approximately 6,500 people in Ontario suffer from a cardiac arrest outside hospitals,” said Rocco Rossi, CEO, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario. “Using an automated external defibrillator combined with CPR within the first few minutes can improve survival rates from five percent to 50 per cent or more.”

“Both the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario and the McGuinty government are committed to ensuring that more is done to protect Ontarians from serious injury or death,” said Wynne. “This historic investment will allow us to do just that.”

Detroit Red Wings defenseman Jiri Fischer and Walter Gretzky were also on hand to congratulate the McGuinty government and encouraged business and individuals to do their part in making more automated external defibrillator available in their communities.

The Ministry of Health Promotion was established to improve and deliver programs that contribute to healthy living and wellness in this province.  Key priorities include Ontario’s Smoke-Free Strategy, healthy eating, active living, sport and recreation, injury prevention and mental health promotion.

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• Don Cherry talks about heart defibrillators in Ontario arenas
  March 31, TORONTO — Don Cherry talks about the McGuinty government's plan to save lives by putting heart defibrillators in Ontario arenas on Coach's Corner. (external link)

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For further information:

Adam Grachnik
Minister’s Office
416-326-8497

Julie Rosenberg
Ministry of Health Promotion
416-326-4833

Version française disponible

March 29, 2007

Appendix: Endorsements

1. Larry Ketcheson, CEO, Parks and Recreation Ontario
   “Parks and Recreation Ontario is dedicated to helping people live healthy lifestyles and enhancing the quality of life for the people of Ontario. Today’s remarkable announcement means that we can enhance the capacity of our communities to provide safe, quality environments for healthier lifestyles because of improved access to life-saving equipment, should the need arise.”
   
2. Doug Reycraft, President of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario
   "Municipal recreation infrastructure and programs are cornerstones of a healthier Ontario. Today's announcement of funding for defibrillators in community centers and arenas is an important investment in healthier communities."
   
3. Dr. David Bach, President of the Ontario Medical Association
   "Doctors support the government's efforts to improve the rate of survival of patients suffering a cardiac arrest or heart attack in Ontario. A comprehensive program that will ensure the defibrillators are available where needed, and are used safely makes a lot of sense.”
   
4. Hugh Heron, the Mikey Network
   “I am delighted to support Premier McGuinty’s recognition of the importance of defibrillators in public places across the province, particularly recreational facilities. The Mikey Network will continue to work with Health Promotion Minister Watson and the provincial government and its objective for a heart healthy Ontario.”
   
5. Tracey Braun, Canadian Red Cross, Ontario Zone
   “As a leader in first aid training world-wide, the Red Cross has added AED training to its first aid courses and fully recognizes the importance of AED access to improve the rate of survival for a person suffering cardiac arrest.  The Canadian Red Cross commends the Ministry of Health Promotion for providing funding to increase AED access and training in Ontario,"
   
6. Perry Smith, Program Director, The Lifesaving Society
   “The Lifesaving Society strongly supports the increase in the number of defibrillators in community recreation centres across Ontario announced by the Ontario Government. The research is clear”, says Society. “Defibrillators save lives – but they need to be readily available when the emergency happens. Every minute counts.” 

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For further information:

Adam Grachnik
Minister’s Office
416-326-8497

Julie Rosenberg
Ministry of Health Promotion
416-326-4833

Version française disponible