On Saturday, October 24, 2009, the newly formed East Valley Chapter of the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Association (SCAA-EV), will host an Inaugural Open House. SCAA-EV is a free membership-based organization dedicated to promoting solutions to prevent sudden cardiac death.

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) kills more than 325,000 Americans each year. Most deaths from SCA can be prevented with rapid response and treatment. By placing automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in schools and other public areas, victims can receive rapid lifesaving treatment. AEDs and public awareness save lives.

Board members of SCAA-EV will be on hand to answer questions, encourage involvement, as well as to facilitate AED demonstrations and CPR techniques. A new fundraising campaign to help place AED’s in East Valley schools and public access areas will also be unveiled.

SCAA-EV’s members are diverse and include survivors and those that have lost loved ones to SCA, first responders, healthcare and public safety professionals, industry representatives, government officials, and interested and concerned citizens.

The event will be held Saturday, October 24 from 3–5 p.m. at the Val Vista Lakes Community Pro Shop, 1600 East Lakeside Drive, Gilbert. During the open house refreshments, CPR Techniques, AED Demonstrations, Exhibits and Informational Materials will be available.

The event if free and open to the public; reservations are requested. To register simply RSVP to scaaev@yahoo.com.

The East Valley Chapter intends to further the mission of the national Sudden Cardiac Arrest Association through education and awareness, advocacy and outreach, and support for those whose lives have been changed by sudden cardiac arrest. To join, simply register your involvement at www.suddencardiacarrest.org or email: scaaev@yahoo.com.