Jackson, Tenn. — Friends of Heart proudly received a $24,875 Make a Difference Grant from the Simmons Bank Foundation during a check presentation reception held today at the Jackson Country Club. The check was presented by Simmons Bank representatives to Sarah Smith, Managing Director of Friends of Heart, in front of community leaders, school board members, educators, and supporters.
The grant will fund the purchase and installation of 15 Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), outdoor weather cabinets, and pediatric pads for five high schools in the Jackson-Madison County School System. The initiative also includes training for faculty, staff, and coaches to ensure full compliance with Tennessee’s Smart Heart Act.
Collectively, the five targeted high schools serve more than 3,200 students, including an estimated 1,500 student athletes. The placement of AEDs and training of personnel will significantly strengthen emergency preparedness during athletic practices and events.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Simmons Bank Foundation for believing in this mission,” said Sarah Smith, Managing Director of Friends of Heart. “This grant is about more than equipment — it’s about protecting students, supporting schools, and giving families peace of mind. When seconds matter, access to a working AED can mean the difference between life and death.”
Smith also recognized Vicki Lake for her work and advocacy in supporting the initiative.
In addition to expanding AED access, Friends of Heart is continuing its free EKG screening program for middle and high school students across West TN and hopes to have all Jackson-Madison County schools included in this program. Earlier this year, screenings at a High School in West TN identified a student with Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome (WPW), a potentially life-threatening heart condition that often goes undetected without screening. Early identification allowed the student to seek medical treatment.
“Our goal is prevention,” Smith added. “Through AED placement and free heart screenings, we are building a culture of preparedness across West Tennessee.”
This partnership with The Simmons Bank Foundation’s Make a Difference Grant marks a significant investment in student heart health and safety in Madison County.
Friends of Heart is a West Tennessee-based nonprofit dedicated to improving heart health through education, prevention, and emergency preparedness initiatives.
For more information about Friends of Heart or to support its mission, visit www.friendsofheart.org.
