In December 2006, St. Jude Medical donated 48 AEDs (automated external defibrillators) to Texas public high schools through the University Interscholastic League (UIL). The UIL oversees public school academics and athletics in Texas.
AEDs were provided to each of 24 high schools competing in the 2006 football playoffs. The additional 24 AEDs were donated to high schools that currently do not have a device on campus.
“With St. Jude Medical’s U.S. Division located in Texas, we’re especially proud to have the opportunity to contribute to high school athletes here,” said Michael T. Rousseau, president of St. Jude Medical's U.S. Division. “It’s an honor to work with the UIL to distribute these devices and recognize the efforts of our high school teams.”
The donation by St. Jude Medical has synergy with guidelines recently passed by UIL to require at least one AED on each member high school campus. This measure takes effect August 1, 2007.
