Ellison Park will get AED thanks to $8K donation

MONTICELLO — Ellison Park is already one of the most picturesque spots in the city — and now it will be a little safer, too, as a donation from CentraCare-Monticello will go toward purchasing an AED for the park.

AEDs, or automated external defibrillators, are easy-to-use medical devices designed to help those experiencing sudden cardiac arrest.

CentraCare-Monticello, which operates the local hospital, donated $8,000 to the city, which will be used to purchase and install the device at the River Street park.

Given that Ellison hosts several large community events throughout the year, municipal leaders believe it is an important place to have an AED in the city.

Adding AEDs throughout the city is part of an initiative being led by several local residents to make Monticello a “Heart Safe Community.”

The Heart Safe designation recognizes a city or organization’s efforts to prepare its staff and citizens to recognize when someone suffers a sudden cardiac arrest and how to respond.

One of the criteria for a heart-safe city is purchasing AEDs and installing them in areas accessible to the public. That included one installed recently at Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park.