As part of the Cleveland Browns’ “Month of Giving” initiative in December, the team is set to donate $25,000 to support University Hospitals’ (UH) AEDin3 Initiative.

Recognizing the critical role Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) play in saving lives during sudden cardiac arrests, the Browns are strengthening their collaboration with UH, the Make Them Know Your Name Foundation (MTKYN), and Kaulig Companies. The aim is to ensure that schools across Northeast Ohio are equipped with the latest life-saving technology and receive training to respond effectively in case of an athlete experiencing cardiac arrest.

The $25,000 donation will specifically provide AEDs for nine Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) schools, supporting their Senate League football programs in alignment with the Cleveland Browns’ field project program.

These programs, backed by the Browns’ field projects, cater to various sports, including football and soccer, serving as valuable resources to actively engage athletes and students within their local communities.

As part of a challenge, school athletic programs are encouraged to conduct drills to deliver AEDs to fields and other sports venue areas within three minutes.

The challenge aims to assess the functionality of existing AEDs and their ability to be used promptly within the crucial three-minute window following a cardiac arrest. Northeast Ohio schools unable to meet the AEDin3 time limit are eligible to receive AEDs and training at no cost.

Desiree Powell, Executive Director of Athletics for CMSD, expressed enthusiasm about participating in the AEDin3 Challenge to increase awareness and, ultimately, save lives. Powell emphasized the timeliness of the donation, coinciding with the launch of a professional development program in February.