AED Donation

The old saying ‘It takes a village’ can be applied to many things and this story is one. Having a dream, making a plan, and having multiple groups and organizations come together to make it a reality.

For years, Robin Schlosser, executive director of Reach Out Morongo Basin, had dreamed of having an AED, an Automated External Defibrillator, at the Twentynine Palms Senior Center. This specialized piece of medical equipment can be lifesaving in a cardiac event, as seen by recent news with pro football player Damar Hamlin. However, they are expensive and run several thousand dollars each which can be hard to come by.

Now, thanks to the Simi Dabah Sculpture Foundation, this long-time dream became a reality when foundation president Larry Bowden presented a brand-new AED and wall-mounted case to Robin Schlosser - Reach Out Morongo Basin executive director and Kary Minatrea – Recreation Division Manager for the City of Twentynine Palms to install at the city-owned senior center.

“We are very excited to have an AED available in our center in case of emergency with one of our seniors or a community member,” said Robin Schlosser, “In a cardiac emergency, every second counts, and this could literally save lives. We are extremely grateful to Simi Dabah, the Simi Dabah Sculpture Foundation, and foundation president Larry Bowden for their generous support in providing the AED.”

Also in attendance at the presentation was Justin Merino, executive director of the High Desert Emergency Action Alliance (HDEAA) who volunteered to provide the hands-on First Aid/CPR/AED training for Reach Out Morongo Basin staff and volunteers. High Desert Emergency Action Alliance is a local non-profit organization that provides Emergency Training and brings together preparedness, safety, emergency, environmental & health organizations as a bridge for 1st & 2nd responders.

Schlosser continued “We also want to thank Justin Merino of HDEAA for donating his time and expertise to provide hands-on training for our staff and volunteers. Having everyone certified through the American Red Cross brings peace of mind that we will be ready to help if we may be needed. Without his help and the help of the Simi Dabah Sculpture Foundation coming together for us, this would still be just a dream, not a reality, because it really does take a village.”

L to R - Justin Merino - executive director High Desert Emergency Action Alliance, Robin Schlosser - executive director Reach Out Morongo Basin, Larry Bowden - president Simi Dabah Sculpture Foundation and Kary Minatrea - Recreation Division Manager for the City of Twentynine Palms.