LCC Respiratory and Nursing Programs Donates Six AEDs to Parsons Police Department

Parsons, Kansas [March 18, 2024] - Labette Community College (LCC) is proud to announce a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to community wellness. Through the diligent efforts of faculty and staff, LCC has secured a grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Rural Public Health Workforce Training Network Program, administered by the University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC) Schools of Nursing and Respiratory Therapy. This grant has enabled the college to donate six Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) units to the Parsons Police Department.

Valued at $1725.00 each, these AEDs represent more than just life-saving equipment. They embody LCC’s dedication to promoting health within Labette County and beyond. The official handover ceremony took place on Monday, March 18, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. in the Zetmeir Health Science Building, marking a significant moment for both LCC and the Parsons community.

LCC Nursing Program Director, Dr. Delyna (Dee) Bohnenblust, expressed her excitement about the collaboration with Parsons Police, stating, "This partnership exemplifies the values at the core of Labette Community College. We are not just an institution of education; we are active participants in the well-being of our community. By providing AEDs to the Parsons Police Department, we are ensuring that our first responders have the tools they need to save lives."

Moreover, Susan Stolte, Respiratory Program Director, emphasized the importance of equipping police officers with life-saving technology, stating, "The decision to donate these AEDs reflects our belief in the crucial role that first responders play in emergency situations. With these devices readily available, Parsons Police Department will be better equipped to respond to cardiac emergencies, ultimately saving lives."

“The work that the Nursing Director and Respiratory Care Director put in to receive the grant and be able to purchase these AEDs shows how great our LCC directors are for our programs,” According to Ross Harper, Dean of Workforce Career Education and Training (CTE) said Ross Harper, Dean of Workforce Career Education and Training (CTE). “This grant funding could have gone to help their own programs, but instead they chose to use this money to help the community by providing these AEDs to the police department. LCC has a great relationship with our local community, and I hope that we can continue to give back to our community by providing equipment and training for our local police and first responders”

In addition to the collaborative efforts of the Labette Community College (LCC) Nursing and Respiratory Programs, Parsons Police Chief Robert Spinks has expressed enthusiastic support. "The safety and well-being of our community members are our top priorities. This partnership with LCC is a significant step towards enhancing our emergency response capabilities,’ Commented Chief Spinks. “The addition of AEDs to our police vehicles and buildings not only ensures the safety of our officers but also reinforces our commitment to the prompt and effective assistance of those in need. We are grateful for the support from LCC and look forward to furthering our collaborative efforts for the betterment of Parsons and its residents."

Labette Community College extends gratitude to all involved in making this donation possible, including the HRSA, KUMC, and the Parsons Police Department. “Together, we are taking proactive steps to enhance the safety and well-being of our community members,” said Harper. “As we celebrate this milestone, we reaffirm our commitment to serving as a catalyst for positive change in Labette County. Through collaborative initiatives like this, we will continue to make meaningful contributions to the health and prosperity of our community.”

For more information about Labette Community College and our community initiatives, please contact Lindi Forbes, Interim Director of Public Relations by emailing LindiF@labette.edu or visiting the website www.labette.edu.